New york:new jersey march 31 april 6, 2017

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Volume10 – Issue 27 • 16 Pages

MA R C H 3 1 - A P R I L 6 , 2 0 1 7

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Palace accuses NYT of ‘demolition work’ vs. Duterte by Dana

SioSon AJPress

mALACAÑANG has accused U.s.based publication The New York Times (NYt) of “demolition work” against President rodrigo Duterte, following its series of reports on the Philippine government’s controversial war against illegal drugs. Citing the recent pieces, Philippine Presidential spokesperson ernesto Abella on monday, march 27 condemned the NYt and alleged that it is trying “to stir global outrage in a nation that welcomes its newfound peace and order.” Last week, the publication published the following: a news feature, which

Abella said narrates Duterte’s “rise to power under the context of violence”; an editorial, with jailed mutineer Gary Alejano and lawyer Jude sabio “mouthing unsubstantiated claims” against the president; and a documentary “zeroing in on the vigilante deaths that occurred under the present administration.” Abella then took note that with such reports, “one can only conclude that certain personalities and politicians have mounted a well-funded campaign utilizing hack writers and their ilk in their bid to oust PrrD.” Despite this, malacañang affirmed that the Duterte administration “will not be deterred in fulfilling its promise of building a progressive and inclusive

USA

DATELINE Filipino faces murder, burglary charges in Las Vegas shooting

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Socorro Ramos, founder of National Bookstore (second from right), receives one of the Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs Awards from President Rodrigo Duterte at Malacañang on Thursday, March 30. Also in photo are (from left) Tessie Sy-Coson, vice chair of SM Investments Corp., presidential adviser for entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Xandra Ramos-Padilla, NBS managing director. Philstar.com photo by Krizjohn Rosales

US official airs concern on PH’s drug war PNP: Crime rate by EmmanuEl

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

A fILIPINo man was arrested for a deadly shooting inside a public bus on the Las Vegas strip on saturday, march 25. rolando Bueno Cardenas faces charges of open murder with use of a firearm, atRolando Bueno Cardenas was tempted murder arrested on Saturday, March 25 for shooting at passengers inside with use of a a public bus on the Las Vegas Strip. firearm, burglary The incident left one man dead while in possesand another hospitalized with non sion of a firearm, life-threatening injuries. and discharging a Photo courtesy of the Las Vegas gun within a vehiMetropolitan Police Department cle, the Las Vegas metropolitan Police Department (LVmPD)

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Trump admin warns anew that sanctuary cities could lose federal funding stAtes and cities that continue to shield undocumented immigrants and refuse to abide by federal immigration laws may face the risk of losing federal funding, the trump administration said. During an announcement at the White house on monday, march 27, Attorney General Jeff sessions urged the so-called sanctuary jurisdictions to “consider carefully the harm they are doing to their citizens” by resisting federal immigration enforcement. “such policies make their cities and states less safe — public safety, as well as national security, are at stake — and put them at risk of losing federal dollars,” he said. the attorney general added that if these sanctuary jurisdictions had not protected

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TupaS

Philstar.com

mANILA, Philippines — While the United states recognizes the Philippine government’s commitment in the fight against illegal drugs, it is concerned about the way the campaign is being implemented under the Duterte administration, with rising reports of rampant killings and human rights abuses. “the United states does recognize the Philippines’ commitment to fight drugs but… the Philippine government approach raises some significant concerns relating to human rights and due process,” Luis Arreaga, principal deputy assistant secretary of the U.s. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law enforcement Affairs, said in a teleconference from Washington tuesday, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte shares a light moment with US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim following march 28. “We are deeply concerned their meeting at the Presidential Guest House in Davao City on Monday, March 27.

lower under current admin by AJPress

reCeNt statistics from the Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed that the crime rate in the country has significantly decreased under the administration of President rodrigo Duterte. According to the data from PNP Directorate for Investigative and Detective management (DIDm), recorded crimes from July 1, 2016 until march 24, 2017 — which include murder, homicide, robbery, theft, carnapping, and physical injuries — reached an estimated 78,900. the figure is lower compared to the 158,900 cases recorded from July 1, 2015 until June 30, 2016 under the previous administration of former President Benigno Aquino III. “the reduction of carnapping, theft, and robbery is huge. have you heard

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Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante

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EU hits back at DSWD Analyst: Pres. Trump in Manila exec’s sarcasm: Child could do more harm than good porn is a serious issue by paTricia lourDES Philstar.com

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

ChILD pornography is a very serious issue that should be addressed properly and responsibly, the european Union (eU) said in response to a recent controversial facebook post made by an official from the Philippine Department of social Welfare and Development (DsWD). “the issue of child pornography is extremely serious and a grave crime. It should be addressed in a serious and responsible manner,” eU Ambassador to the Philippines franz Jessen said in a statement on tuesday, march 28. Jessen made the remarks following social Welfare Assistant secretary Lorraine Badoy’s seemingly unsolicited and sarcastic advice that the eU should just engage in child pornography instead of criticizing Philippine President rodrigo Duterte’s administration. In a facebook post dated march 26, Badoy wrote: “Iyong mga taga-eU, mag-online child porn muna kayo. D’yan naman kayo magaling e (Those in the EU,

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Viray

mANILA, Philippines — the attendance of United states President Donald trump on the Association of southeast Asian Nations (AseAN) summit in manila on November might do more harm than good, an analyst said. Aaron Connelly, a research fellow in the east Asia Program at the Lowy Institute for International Policy, said that it would be difficult to imagine trump listening to a plenary session that might last until four hours. “It is difficult to imagine trump patiently listening to the General secretary of the Lao People’s revolutionary Party hold forth on sustainable development, or responding in a constructive manner should Philippine President rodrigo Duterte blast century-old U.s. human rights abuses, as he did last year,” Connelly said in his article titled “Don’t waste time trying to get trump to manila.” Connelly noted that it is unclear whether trump will attend the summits as he is not

President Donald Trump

fond of spending more than a couple days on the road. the APeC and AseAN summits are scheduled back-to-back in November and would require at least six days, including flights to and from the region. trump may take interest in the APeC forum’s

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A MARCH 31-APRIL 6, 2017 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

Palace accuses NYT of ‘demolition…

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nation free from drugs, crimes and corruption.” The spokesperson also said that the reporting comes “in the face of the very high approval” of the president. In January, a Pulse Asia survey found that Duterte’s trust and approval ratings reached 83 percent. In an earlier statement, Abella criticized the NYT’s recent news feature article about Duterte, describing it as a “cynical and unfair report.” “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,” he said, adding that the piece seems like a “well-paid hack job for well-heeled clients with shady TIME CAPSULE. President Rodrigo Duterte (center) and Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri bury the time capsule during groundbreaking ceremonies motives.” for a P700-million drug rehabilitation center in Malaybalay, Bukidnon on Saturday. Also present were Health Secretary Paulyn Jean One article, entitled “BecomRosell-Ubial and Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua. Malacañang photo ing Duterte: The Making of a Philippine Strongman,” follows Duterte’s life from his early childhood to his more than two January. Before the suspension, fully aware of the criminal and decades term as Davao City’s PAGE A1 t about reports of extrajudicial kill- police reported killing 2,555 drug administrative cases they would ings by or at the behest of gov- offenders who allegedly fought it be facing if they violate the law, ernment authorities in the Philip- out with law enforcers. Carlos said. pines,” Arreaga said. “We will only use lethal force PAGE A1 t Since the resumption of the On Monday, March 27, the PNP’s participation in the war when our lives are in danger,” he just engage in online child porPhilippine National Police (PNP) on drugs this month, a total of said in a brief interview. reported 6,011 deaths labeled as 60 suspected drug pushers and In the Washington news brief- nography. Since that’s what you homicide cases since President users have been killed in police ing, Arreaga also cited the grow- are good at).” The EU Parliament has been Rodrigo Duterte took office in operations. ing danger posed by heroin and July last year. Sought for comment, PNP designer or synthetic drugs such critical of Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs, condemnDrug-related killings totaled spokesman Senior Supt. Dio- as fentanyl. 1,398 while 3,785 of the cases nardo Carlos insisted they are “Synthetic drugs are danger- ing the alleged summary killings were classified as deaths under following Duterte’s instructions ous. They are spreading quickly and human rights violation. The investigation and the rest com- to respect human rights and the and the international architec- bloc also expressed “grave conmitted with different motives. rule of law in dealing with law- ture that exist to control them is cern over credible reports to the effect that the Philippine police The killing of a Korean business- breakers. inadequate,” he said. man by policemen right inside He cited a study showing force is falsifying evidence to jusHe said the president had nevCamp Crame prompted Duterte er ordered them to shoot drug of- 33,000 Americans have died from tify extrajudicial killings.” Apparently, Badoy also blasted to temporarily remove the PNP fenders on sight. opioid overdose. (With Christina Philippine Vice President Leni from his anti-drug campaign last Moreover, police officers are Mendez) Robredo and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, one of Duterte’s staunchest critics: “In the meantime, learn a craft. Mag-gantsilyo PAGE A1 t napping cases during the Aquino were homicides or still under in- club muna kayo (Join a knitting of a violent carnapping lately? administration. vestigation. club), Trillanes, Leni, etc. Bake In the past, reports of this would Likewise, PNP chief Director ng red velvet cupcakes.” These were relatively higher always be on TV on prime time compared to figures during General Ronald Dela Rosa disDefending Badoy, DSWD Secnews. Now, you won’t see or Duterte’s first eight months: couraged various sectors, par- retary Judy Taguiwalo said in a hear about it,” Police Director 8,500 murder cases, 1,600 ho- ticularly the media, of using “ex- separate statement that the issue Augusto Marquez, who heads micide cases, 27,500 theft cases, trajudicial killings” as the term to “has been twisted out of context the DIDM, told the Philippine 12,300 robbery incidents, and refer to “homicide incidents.” and sensationalized.” Daily Inquirer. “Some sectors want to make 4,800 carnapping cases. According to Taguiwalo, Badoy’s Using the same timeline, the Marquez also clarified that of it appear that the killings are statement “was obviously sarcastic PNP has recorded 9,200 mur- the reported 7,000 killings in the (state)-sponsored when in fact and under no circumstances was der cases, 2,400 homicide cases, drug war, only over 1,400 cases we deny in the highest possible she advocating child pornography 66,500 theft cases, 27,300 rob- were actually related to the cam- terms the claim,” Dela Rosa said. or making light of it.” bery incidents, and 12,950 car- paign while the remaining cases “To what purpose, we do not u PAGE A3

US official airs concern on PH’s…

mayor, and later as the country’s president. “President Rodrigo Duterte relishes the image of killer-savior. He boasts of killing criminals with his own hand. On occasion, he calls for mass murder,” the NYT report, authored by Richard Paddock, read. The article went on to describe Duterte as a “child of privilege turned populist politician” and “an anti-drug 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.” Meanwhile, in an editorial published on Thursday, March 24, the NYT called on the trading partners of the Philippines to make Duterte “accountable” for the alleged deaths and human rights abuses in his war on drugs.

“The EU (European Union) has proposed hitting his government where it may hurt the most -- by imposing tariffs on Philippine goods. Other democratic trading partners should do the same,” NYT said in its editorial, titled “Accountability for Duterte.” The Philippine Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) earlier revealed that some European countries threatened to impose taxes on Philippine products due to the drug war. “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,” Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno said. “Our government is now accused of violating human rights so we stand to lose in this 27 trade agreements.” Various reports claim that more than 7,000 individuals were killed either during legitimate

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EU hits back at DSWD exec’s sarcasm…

PNP: Crime rate lower under current…

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Judy Taguiwalo (left) defended DSWD Assistant Secretary Lorraine Badoy (right) after the latter sarcastically said on Facebook that the European Union should just engage in child pornography since this is what it is good at. Taguiwalo said Badoy’s post was taken out of context and was blown out of proportion. Photo from Judy Taguiwalo’s Facebook account

know; but what is evident is that this is being blown out of proportion,” the secretary said. Pointing out that Badoy “loves children and cares about their welfare,” Taguiwalo said “it is unfair that her personal character is being questioned because of one sarcastic sentence she wrote in her own social networking page.”

Recognizing the risks of being “misinterpreted,” Taguiwalo acknowledged that government officials “should be more circumspect and careful about what we post on social media.” “All of us in the DSWD executive committee and even our staff will take lessons from this incident,” she added. n

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From the Front Page

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 31-APRIL 6, 2017

Analyst: Pres. Trump in Manila…

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economic orientation but the ASEAN Summit will cover issues of less interest to him, Connelly said. The ASEAN Summit is expected to tackle regional diplomatic architecture and the Chinese challenge to the rules-based order in the region. “Trump could skip much of the plenary (leaders do occasionally duck out to take bathroom breaks or hold the odd bilateral) but not without offending his hosts and indicating the very lack of engagement we’d hoped to avoid,” Connelly said. Connelly noted that plenary sessions of the summits have tested the patience of former U.S. President Barck Obama but he understood the importance of HUG OF PEACE. President Rodrigo Duterte hugs Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari in Davao City on Tuesday, March 28. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to bring “just and lasting” peace in Mindanao. Malacañang photo

Trump admin warns anew that sanctuary cities…

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criminal undocumented immigrants, “countless Americans would be alive today and countless loved ones would not be grieving today.” About $4.1 billion in law enforcement grants will be allocated through the Department of Justice this year. In order to receive a portion of that funding, cities and states must comply and share citizenship and immigration status if requested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Sessions said. The attorney general, however, did not offer any new policies with regard to how the administration would handle the defiant areas. “The American people want and deserve a lawful system of immigration that keeps us safe, and one that serves national interests,” Sessions said. “This expectation is reasonable, just, and our government has the duty to meet it and we will meet it.” In late January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that called for the stripping of federal funds for areas that do not cooperate with federal law enforcement agencies and do not hand over undocumented immigrants who are subject to deportation. Those who do not comply “are not eligible to receive federal grants, except as deemed necessary for law enforcement purposes by the Attorney General or the Secretary,” the order read. It also called for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue a “Weekly Detainer Outcome Report” that highlights crimes committed by undocumented immigrants and a list of jurisdictions that choose

not to cooperate with ICE’s detainers or requests for notification. Last week, the department released its first report, which found that Clark County in Nevada had the highest number of declined detainer requests at 51. It also showed that 206 out of 3,083 detention requests were declined by local law enforcement across the country. The requests call for local law enforcement to hold individuals who could be deportable for an extra 48 hours after they are jailed for their arrests so they can be picked up by ICE agents. “Our goal is to build cooperative, respectful relationships with our law enforcement partners. We will continue collaborating with them to help ensure that illegal aliens who may pose a threat to our communities are not released onto the streets to potentially harm individuals living within our communities,” Acting ICE Director Thomas Homan said in a statement. Cities and towns across the United States, including Los Angeles and New York, have made it clear that they would continued to defy the administration’s moves. On Monday, LA Mayor Eric Garcetti reiterated that he would fight any attempts to take away federal funding. “Slashing funds for first-responders, for our port and airport, for counterterrorism, crimefighting and community-building serves no one — not this city, not the federal government, not the American people,” he said, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. He added that he would work closely with members of Con-

Attorney General Jeff Sessions

Palace accuses NYT of…

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police operations or by unknown vigilante suspects since Duterte launched the campaign last July 2016, earning condemnation from different local and international human rights groups. The Philippine National Police (PNP) reiterated that only about 1,400 cases were related to the government’s campaign while the remaining numbers were homicides or deaths under investigation. The NYT also encouraged the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council to conduct a “thorough, independent investigation into the killings under Mr. Duterte’s watch.” The country’s Department of Tourism (DOT) and the PNP

have both called on the media to “tone down” reports of the drug war and the extrajudicial killings as it has made it harder to attract foreigners to the Philippines. Earlier in March, the first impeachment complaint against the president was filed by Magdalo Party-list Rep Gary Alejano, who claims that the latter is guilty of culpably violating the Constitution, engaging in bribery, betraying public trust, committing graft and corruption, and other high crimes. In his 16-page complaint, Alejano cited Duterte’s alleged links to the so-called Davao Death Squad (DDS), the massive killings in his war against illegal drugs, and his alleged undeclared wealth worth nearly P2.2 million. n

PNP: Crime rate lower under…

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“I myself can’t stomach that I will give the order to kill a person.” Karapatan, an alliance of human rights organizations and programs, said that the PNP should “stop giving illusory statements that everything is fine and people are living well.” “To say that there are no extra-judicial killings in the country, whether perpetrated through counter-insurgency programs or through the war on drugs, is covering up State accountability when its official policies sanctioned the sufferings of the poor majority of Filipino people,” Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay said in a statement. Palabay also branded the PNP’s recent claim that there have been no extrajudicial kill-

ings in the country as an “outright lie” wielded by those “who think that press statements and powerpoint presentations are sufficient excuses to rid them of the responsibility for the series of killings.” She then encouraged journalists “to report on the increasing number of political killings, illegal arrests, bombing of communities and other human rights abuses of State actors, in relation to the counter-insurgency program and all-out-war of the Duterte regime and the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines).” “We encourage the media to look deeper into the context of the dire lack of public housing, land, secure jobs and living wages, and transgressions on national sovereignty,” Palabay added. n

gress “to make sure that Los Angeles does not go without federal resources that help protect millions of people every day.” Last week, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra filed a brief in support of a Santa Clara County lawsuit against the president’s executive order on sanctuary cities. “California has a sovereign right and responsibility to protect the safety and the constitutional rights of its residents, and that is what we will continue to do,” he said, arguing that the threat to take away state and local resources “raises serious constitutional questions and threatens the safety of our communities.” (AJPress)

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demonstrating his willingness to listen to the concerns of Southeast Asian leaders. The Obama administration’s Asia pivot gave assurance to ASEAN countries that the U.S. will back them despite pressure from China. “If Trump were to skip the summits, some diplomats and analysts would probably conclude that U.S. commitment to the region had diminished, and Trump would miss an opportunity to put a face with a country in a way that might be helpful in a future crisis,” Connelly said. The new U.S. president’s absence, however, would reduce the chances “that an errant early morning tweet by Trump would throw the day’s sessions

into chaos.” Sending U.S. Vice President Mike Pence or U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson instead would lessen such risk, Connelly said. The U.S. also has other ways of signaling its commitment to the region such as negotiation of new economic arrangements, attendance of Cabinet officials at key ministerial meetings in the region, continued funding of governance problems and increased naval presence. Last January, President Rodrigo Duterte sent an invitation to Trump to attend the ASEAN summit that will be held in the country. Trump, however, has not yet committed to visiting the Philippines for the ASEAN summit in November. n

Filipino faces murder, burglary charges in… PAGE A1 t

announced on Sunday. The 55-year-old Filipino peacefully surrendered to police after a nearly four-hour standoff that left one male dead and another injured. He had been sitting toward the back on the second floor of the double-decker bus before he began opening fire from a handgun around 11 a.m. The bus had come to a stop on Las Vegas Boulevard in front of the Cosmopolitan Hotel to unload passengers. The deceased victim has been identified as 57-year-old Gary Breitling of Sidney, Montana, who died at a nearby hospital, various reports show. The other victim, who was shot in the stomach, has not been identified. He remains hospitalized but is expected to survive. Cardenas proceeded to bar-

ricade himself inside the bus, leading the LVMPD to call in crisis negotiators and a SWAT team to help. No gunfire was exchanged with police. During the standoff, the usually bustling tourist destination had been closed off, while people were advised to stay inside other hotel-casino properties nearby. “He was on the bus. He was shooting people on the bus. He was just contained to that location. He never exited the bus,” Clark County Assistant Sheriff Tom Roberts told reporters. The gunman began shooting “for no apparent reason,” police said. An article by the Las Vegas Review-Journal said that Cardenas told police that he meant to threaten a “large male” sitting next to him. He supposedly intended to fire into the back of a seat, but instead hit the two men

as they exited the bus. According to the arrest report, the suspect “felt bad about what happened and reiterated that all he wanted to do was scare the large male.” Cardenas, who moved to Las Vegas from Hawaii in 2008, is said to have been a transient with no prior criminal history. He is currently being held at the Clark County Detention Center and had a hearing on Monday, March 27. Saturday’s shooting is the 35th homicide investigated by the police department this year. Hours before, masked robbers used sledgehammers to break into the Rolex store at the Bellagio Resort & Casino and stole several items. No injuries were reported and police say the two incidents are not related. (By AJPress with reports from Bev Llorente / ABSCBN News North America Bureau)

Dateline USa

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‘No-Knock’ Registry commences in Jersey City

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Starting on Tuesday, March 28, Jersey City residents will be able to add their names to the City’s NoKnock Registry. On February 22, 2017, Council President Rolando Lavarro, Jr. introduced an ordinance establishing a No-Knock Registry in Jersey City. The Registry was established to protect homeowners from aggressive real estate soliciting, safeguard their privacy, and prevent potential criminal activity. The ordinance resulted from a series of meetings and collaborative effort that included the Council President Lavarro, Councilwoman-At-Large Joyce Watterman, community activists,

and interfaith clergy members to announce new city legislation creating a “No-Knock Registry.” The “No Knock” ordinance is meant to protect long-time homeowners who may feel harassed and vulnerable by overly aggressive real estate or other commercial solicitation. The Council unanimously adopted the ordinance at its March 8, 2017 Council meeting. Council President Lavarro who led the effort said, “As Jersey City grows, this is an important first step to protect homeowners, particularly those of modest means and especially seniors, who may be targeted by unscrupulous solicitors.”

As per the ordinance, the City Clerk will maintain a list of owners or occupants who have notified the city that canvassing or soliciting is not permitted on their property. Owners or occupants can sign on to the registry at the City Clerk’s office during regular business hours at City Hall, 280 Grove Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302. Decals to affix for display on the premises and notifying solicitors of the noknock prohibition will be provided to registrants within six weeks of registration. Questions or inquiries about the No-Knock Registry can be directed to the City Clerk at (201) 547-5150. n

PH investment delegation, World Bank Group explore strategies for ecozones CADRES IN CUBAO. Young members of the Communist Party of the Philippines stage a lightning rally in Cubao, Quezon City to mark the 48th anniversary of the New People’s Army and urge others to join their ranks. The communist insurgency in the Philippines, which began in 1968, is one of the longest running in the world and has claimed an estimated 30,000 lives, according to the military. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan

Fate of DACA still uncertain despite immigration crackdown by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

AMID reports of increased deportations under the Trump administration, beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program continue to be concerned about their statuses in the United States. DACA, an executive order that was signed by former President Barack Obama in 2012, granted undocumented youth — also known as DREAMers — a renewable two-year work permit. Over 750,000 individuals have been spared from deportation. As of this writing, President Donald Trump and his administration have not addressed the future of DACA. However, many immigrant communities are on edge as the signature program could be rescinded at any time, as it was one of Trump’s promises when he was campaigning. Mariam Kelly, senior immigration attorney and DACA program supervisor at Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto, California, advised communities to understand that the program is still in a wait-and-see mode.

President Donald Trump

“That is something we really want to communicate to anybody who has DACA...and is looking to renew, it’s really important to know that to date there has been no change to the program at all,” Kelly told reporters during a press call on Thursday, March 23. “However, we do know that some kind of change will be coming.” Though a lot of DACA recipients wonder if they could be deported should the program get canceled, Kelly reminded them that they have certain protections and rights. “One thing to note for those who are in fear of deportation is

that so long as a DACA holder has not been deported before, they have the right — the same as every other person who is present here without immigration status lawfully — to go before an immigration judge, to fight their case [and] contract a lawyer who can help them in representing them for some other form of relief,” she said. Another possibility is whether the program would be replaced with legislation that would be more permanent. Given that there are so many unknowns surrounding DACA, organizations represented on the

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The visiting delegation from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) participated in a Roundtable Discussion on special economic zones at the International Finance Corporation in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, March 28. The roundtable was part of an investment mission that is aimed at creating awareness among various sectors in the US capital about PEZA and the ARMM, in line with the Philippine Government’s investment priorities, including in infrastructure, manufacturing resurgence and the development of Mindanao. The delegation was led by PEZA Director General Charito B. Plaza, and composed of ARMMRegional Economic Zone Authority (ARMM-REZA) Executive Director Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal, ARMM Agrarian Reform Secretary Amihilda J. Sangcopan, ARMM Treasurer Kanggo Umal, PEZA Deputy Director General Tereso O. Panga, Francoise Ferdinand Plaza, and Danilo Mangaya. In a roundtable discussion chaired by Mr. Peter Kusek, Senior Investment Policy Officer at the World Bank Group Trade and Competitiveness Global Practice, the officials briefed investment specialists and experts on the various programs and policies of PEZA and ARMM-REZA in attracting and retaining investments, including targeted investment promotion strategies; approaches to investment pro-

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) investment mission participated in a Roundtable Discussion on special economic zones at the International Finance Corporation on Tuesday, March 28 in Washington, D.C.

motion and policy; diversification of zones ownership and economic activities; fiscal and non-fiscal incentives; investor aftercare programs; business one-stop shop action centers; and investor linkages initiatives. There was consensus among the international financial experts present that the Philippines had an impressive track record in investment promotion and the operation of special economic zones, and they encouraged the delegation to share Philippine best practices more broadly. They mentioned that the Philippine regulations on the one-stop shop is reference material for many World Bank practitioners. During the discussion with the roundtable participants, the delegation and the technical experts

exchanged views on the future opportunities and challenges for countries that have embraced the concept of special economic zones. Director General Plaza emphasized that while PEZA continues to expand existing zones and aims to build an economic zone in every province and city of the Philippines, they are also looking towards the future by going into niche areas such as eco-tourism facilities, halal hubs, logistics hubs, and defense industrial complexes. The roundtable participants also discussed strategic issues such as how to deal with zones that are nearing full occupancy and how to ensure that they continue to have a catalytic effect on the economy. On the issue of

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Pacquiao camp shrugs off Arum’s ultimatum by Dino

Maragay Philstar.com

LOOKING INTO BENHAM RISE. Senator Win Gatchalian (middle), chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs, presides over the continuation of a Senate hearing looking into security and environmental concerns following reports of suspicious Chinese activities in the strategically important and mineral rich Benham Rise. “There is an urgent need to conduct extensive scientific research in Benham Rise to fully discover how its development will benefit the Filipino people. These plans must be put into place now so that future generations of Filipinos will be able to reap the benefits of the area’s ecological wealth and unexplored energy resources,” Gatchalian said. Senator Sonny Angara (right), author of a Senate bill creating a Benham Rise Development Authority (BRDA), also attended the hearing. Senate photo by Alex Nuevaespaña

PH makes a splash at International Dive Show NEW YORK — The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) with partners in the travel industry presented the best Philippine Dive experiences and packages at the Beneath the Sea Expo, from 24 to 26 March 2017 at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, New Jersey. Beneath the Sea is the largest Consumer and Dive Travel Show in the US and attracts diving enthusiasts from both the US West and East coasts. The DOT-New York office headed by Ms. Azucena Pallugna brought together various travel agencies and tour operators to help market Philippine Dive destinations for the US market. Among the Dive experiences promoted at the Dive Expo include the Philippines Kids Sea Camp Experience offered by Family Divers and various Dive Packages offered by Island and Cruise Adventure. The Philippine promotion efforts also received a boost from the participation of Philippine Airlines New York at the Expo. Renowned international divers and underwater photographers and videographers Michael Salvarezza, Christopher Weaver, Michel Albert, Danielle Alary, Richard Morris, Leandro Blanco, and Women Divers Hall of Famer Lynn Funkhouser likewise spoke about their respective diving experiences in the Philippines during talks held at the Expo. Ms. Funkhouser offered a free dive trip to the Philippines courtesy of the Atlantis Group during her talk on “The Philippines: The Most DIVErse Underwater and Above” on 26 March. Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Deputy Consul General Felipe Cariño, and Economic Assistant Eric Silao were also on hand to help in promoting various Philippine Dive Destinations. Beneath the Sea Expo Director Corey Joyner congratulated the Philippine Contingent for its active participation in the Expo. Mr. Joyner will be part of a 16person Dive Group scheduled to proceed to the Philippines in June. n

call encouraged those looking to apply or renew for the relief to seek legal advice from a qualified and licensed attorney. “We want to make sure that everybody has a detailed, in-depth consultation with an immigration attorney in order to assess whether they should apply for DACA for the first time or apply for renewal,” Kelly said, adding that each client will be handled on a case-by-case basis. However, organizations like the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, Community Legal Services and Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles (Advancing Justice-LA) have put new applications for DACA on hold since they are unsure how the information of the undocumented youth would be used. Depending on the advice of an attorney, those who were already granted DACA could seek renewal because their information is in the system. “When it comes to risks, people who have DACA already are already known to immigration, their names are in the database of DACA recipients, so we have found they are at less risk of any

UNITED States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim and President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, March 27 discussed Washington and Manila’s extensive bilateral partnership and cooperation on counterterrorism, child protection and piracy. Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said Kim met Duterte in Davao City. Abella said Kim told Duterte (L-R) Yasuko Jomes of Island and Cruise Adventure, DOT representative Azucena Pallugna, that he is “quite proud” of the Lynn Funkhouser, Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Beneath the Sea Show director Corey cooperation between the US and Joyner, and Deputy Consul General Felipe Cariño the Philippines’ intelligence forces “in terms of intelligence and information sharing, training and equipment support.” “Sung Kim also assured Duterte that the US understands the security concerns of the Philippines and that the US is ready to provide more military equipment, assistance and training,” the Palace official said. Duterte believes the bilateral ties between US and the Philippines “remain strong and there is readiness to discuss more matters of mutual interest with the US.” The relations between the two countries soured when Duterte launched tirades against former Lynn Funkhouser, Women Divers Hall of Famer, explains the unique experience of diving in US President Barack Obama and the Philippines. Kim’s predecessor, Philip Goldberg. Washington has been critical of Duterte’s bloody drug war.

climate change and sustainable development, the participants looked into the concept of ecoindustrial parks, which has exploded in number in the last ten years; as well as Climate Innovation Centers. Other experts provided advice on best practices with respect to investment policy and regulations, as well as cutting edge investment promotion concepts. PEZA Director General Plaza

likely at the 52,000-capacity Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. “When we believe the terms and conditions of an agreement are in Manny’s best interest then we will sign (the contract). Simple as that,” he added. Asked which specific points of the deal they have yet to agree to, Koncz declined to elaborate. Pacquiao remains without an opponent for his first fight since dominating Jessie Vargas in Las

Vegas last year. Horn’s representatives had reportedly offered Pacquiao $5 million to $6 million, but the Filipino icon didn’t seem interested. Instead, Pacquiao sent Koncz to meet with an unidentified investment group in the United Arab Emirates that has expressed interest to stage a fight with Amir Khan. The talks, however, were a failure mainly due to financial reasons. n

At a luncheon meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce Mindanao, Kim conveyed the US government’s wholehearted support to the Philippine economy, as well as its commitment to development in Mindanao. The US has pledged more than P3.5 billion for dozens of projects in Mindanao to be implemented in the next few years, including the roll-on, roll-off, or RORO, a nautical highway. On April 30, the route will connect the cities of Davao and General Santos to Bitung in the Sulawesi Island of Indonesia. This accomplishment will help US and Philippine businesses operating in Mindanao increase their

exports at great savings. The ambassador said US clients generate an estimated 40,000 well-paying BPO jobs in Mindanao. Cargill, a US agricultural corporation, exports P7.5 billion of coconut oil every year, much of which comes from Mindanao, Kim said. Cargill has trained more than 1,000 coconut farmers since 2011 on improving agricultural practices. As a result, 300 small farmers from the region have been certified to produce the world’s first Rainforest Alliance certified copra, raising their incomes by 15 percent. (Catherine S. Valente and Jaime R. Pilapil/ManilaTimes.net)

Filipino photographer charged with sexual assault in Toronto SAN FRANCISCO — Police have charged a Filipino man accused of sexually assaulting a woman while taking her passport photos, a Toronto Police press release say Eugenio Deocreza, 46, of Toronto was taking a passport photo of a woman, 28, in the Bathurst Street and Wilson Avenue area on Saturday, March 11. During the photo session, Deo-

creza allegedly sexually assaulted the woman. On Monday, police arrested Deocreza. He has been charged with one count of sexual assault and is scheduled to make a court appearance on April 27. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416808-3200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477. (Inquirer.net)

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(L-R) DOT representative Azucena Pallugna, Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega with Ms. Jean Charisse Rodriguez of Philippine Airlines New York. Photos by NYPCG

kind of activity against them…so doing a renewal would not really change anything so long as there hasn’t been any change in circumstance of that particular client,” Kelly explained. A legal screening could also point these immigrants to other options, such as special immigration juvenile status or familybased petitions. For the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, Advancing Justice-LA staff attorney Martha Ruch said there are a lot of questions and concerns about who qualifies as undocumented. Those who overstayed their visa are also considered undocumented, similar to those who came to the U.S. without legal papers. Ruch added that AAPI citizens and legal permanent residents are worried as well how they would be affected by the Trump administration’s actions. “The short answer is that citizens are generally not going to be affected by this. Citizens are not deportable, including naturalized citizens. But legal immigrants may want to consult with an immigration attorney or licensed

PH investment delegation… PAGE A4 t

Manny Pacquiao with adviser Mike Koncz (left) and trainer Freddie Roach. Philstar.com photo

US reaffirms support to Mindanao

Fate of DACA still uncertain despite… PAGE A4 t

THE camp of Manny Pacquiao is not hard-pressed to comply with Bob Arum’s deadline for them to decide whether or not to accept the offer for a fight with Australian Jeff Horn on July 2. “We are not very worried about any deadline,” Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz told Philstar. com in a text message Thursday, MARCH 30 when asked if they are aware about Arum’s “ultimatum” to them. The Top Rank Inc. boss earlier gave Pacquiao until today to make up his mind about taking on the relatively unknown Horn in Brisbane, Australia. Speaking to the Manila Bulletin the other day, Arum said that in case Pacquiao turns down the offer, his ring comeback could be pushed to November. Koncz, for his part, hinted that they are still not satisfied with what was presented on the table for Pacquiao to defend his WBO welterweight title against Horn,

and ARMM-REZA Executive Director Guiapal expressed satisfaction with the substance and depth of the roundtable discussions. “We did not only convey the economic and investment advantages for those who decide to locate in our economic zones, but more importantly, we had a robust and in-depth discussion with the World Bank experts on critical issues for special economic zones at this time,” Ms. Plaza said. n

practitioner to discuss whether criminal issues or potential international travel may be a problem for them,” she said. Speakers participating in Thursday’s briefing also urged individuals to know their rights should they be confronted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. “Whether they are U.S. citizens or undocumented or permanent residents or on some kind of visa, these are rights that are available to everyone solely by virtue of being on U.S. soil,” Kelly said. Some of these rights include asking for a search warrant, due process, and access to an attorney. “The reason why we’re emphasizing know your rights at this time is because increased immigration enforcement means that ordinary people are perhaps going to be subject to questioning about their country of origin [or] their legal status,” Ruch said. She went on to say that undocumented immigrants should also make a general plan for their families and workplaces in case they are detained. The details that should be included are emergency contacts, who would take care of their children or elderly in the home, and where to go to help, among others. “From an advocacy standpoint, it’s really important for DREAMers and other segments of the undocumented population to remain visible and to remain strong and to not bow down to the fear and pressure,” Kelly said. “The only reason that DACA happened in the first place was from the response of the amazing organizing of the students, the DREAMer movement trying to get something passed for themselves.” n

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OpiniOn

Features

Critical time

MILLIONS of people turned the lights off for at least an hour in some of the world’s most famous cities on Saturday, March 25, as they joined the global initiative to raise awareness and take action against climate change. Now in its 10th year, the Earth Hour called for the world to collectively act together to protect the planet. More than 170 countries and territories joined the biggest Earth Hour event to date, which aimed to focus attention on people-driven solutions to building a bright, sustainable future. “Each light turned off or profile picture changed represents an individual who has made the switch from being a passive bystander to someone eager to be a part of the solution...” said Sid Das, executive director of Earth Hour Global. The United Nations led the event in the U.S. as it dimmed the lights at its iconic headquarters in New York. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, “Climate change continues to imperil lives and livelihoods around the world. From the darkness, we can create a sustainable and inclusive world for all” In the Philippines, this year’s observance of Earth Hour is a milestone as it comes after President Rodrigo Duterte’s ratification of the landmark Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The country has been actively participating in Earth Hour since 2008 and has topped global participation records from 2009 to 2012 – earning it the title Earth Hour Hero Country. “The Philippines is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, but has a very small climate footprint. However, this should not prevent the

country from achieving economic development while adopting lifestyles, systems and measures that can slow down climate change,” Environment Secretary Gina Lopez said. According to Sen. Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and UN Global Champion for Resilience, the Paris Agreement would allow the country access to the Green Climate Fund, which will allow developed countries that are the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases (GHG) to aid vulnerable, low-emitting nations like the Philippines. Every year, the world experiences weather-related disasters that cause significant loss of life, and economic and social development setbacks. The planet is exhausted and the world stands witness to the devastating effects of climate change. This dreaded phenomenon has brought signals of unimaginable changes such as increasing trends in change of temperature, sea level rise and extreme climate events. These manifestations have brought floods, droughts, forest fires, and an increase in tropical cyclones—all amounting to billions. For now, the world is not forced to take drastic measures to let the Earth survive. Natural hazards are normal. But hazards become disasters when people’s lives and livelihoods are swept away. When this happens, poor countries are the ones that suffer most—even though they are the least responsible

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

for such disasters. As experts warned and as the warming continues, the effects are sure to become more catastrophic. There are no exact ways to stop the impending consequences climate change has brought, but this is an endeavor every human be-

ing will have to surpass. While we can’t undo the damages done, we are still capable of decelerating the rate of the effects of climate change and produce a desirable future for the planet altogether. Everyone is simply responsible. (AJPress)

Trump, Republicans in Congress give companies that steal their workers’ wages a gift AS the news gets inundated with headlines about the failed Trumpcare and the ongoing muddled investigation on the alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, President Donald Trump signed a bill into law that will end Obama-era regulation that protects ordinary folks from unscrupulous employers from abusing and neglecting them. Under the Fair Pay and Safe Work-

places Rule, companies who have outrageously been stealing hard earned money from their employees by not paying them the right wages, and companies who do not follow safety laws at the expense of their workers, would

lose their government contracts if they did not comply with labor laws. Unfortunately, Trump and the Republicans in Congress do not believe in this, and side with businesses who say

The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-ReloS

these regulations are excessive and are job killers. They argue that the Obama rule was too punitive and unfair to businesses. When Trump signed this bill into law, he made sure that the regulation would not only die, but also that no similar regulation could be imposed by the Labor Department again. Who are the real winners here? Is this

law good for American workers or the millionaires and billionaires and greedy businessmen? *** 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

The NYT’s hatchet job on Duterte: We should all be outraged Proposes economic sanctions as those vs Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria

Commentary

RiGobeRto D. tiGlao IF, after reading with a critical eye, the New York Times’ editorial last Friday, March 24, entitled “Accountability for Duterte,” and you aren’t outraged and even cheer it—as Vice President Robredo and the news website Rappler seem to have—you have lost all sense of being Filipino. Because of the stupidity and temerity of that NYT piece, bylined by the paper’s “Editorial Board*”, I am convinced that it is part of a Yellow plot to oust President Duterte. What the NYT piece asked the US government and the world to do is an outrage: “The EU has proposed hitting his government where it may hurt the most — by imposing tariffs on Philippine goods. Other democratic trading partners should do the same,” the editorial proposed. This sentence alone indicates how rushed or ignorant the NYT piece is, that it is simply a cheap black propaganda. The NYT—whose biggest stockholder is the world’s second richest man, the Mexican businessman Carlos Slim—is disseminating fake news: that European nations have condemned Duterte and are in the process of imposing sanctions against us. Or perhaps the NYT editors are ignorant of what the EU is and its institutions. It is not the EU—the union of 28 nations in Europe of 510 million citizens—that has proposed reducing our access to European markets to punish us. Rather it was only a resolution—and not even a bill—of the European Parliament (EP), which

is just one of the three institutions of the EU, the other being the more powerful Council of the European Union (which passes laws with the EP) and the “executive” body, the European Commission. Members of the Council and the Commission are appointed by the governments of the EU nations; the EP by direct vote of each EU nation, in special elections. Parliament resolution A resolution of the EP has as much chance of being implemented by the EU as the thousands of resolutions by members of our Congress which are approved only for the sake of camaraderie but which everyone there knows won’t be implemented, since a law—an entirely different thing—would be required for that. House Resolution CR 0004 “granting consent to Senator Drilon to accept the Grand Cordon of Order of the Rising Sun from Japan” by any stretch of the imagination can’t be interpreted as the wish of the entire nation. More importantly, though, how can the NYT so cavalierly—or ignorantly—ask that our country’s “democratic trading partners,” which includes the US, renege on their multilateral commitments to the World Trade Organization and bilaterally to the Philippine state and impose economic sanctions that will hurt not just our businessmen but the poor, especially destitute farmers? When China slowed down their exports of bananas because of President Aquino’s belligerent stance against it, was it Davao’s banana magnates who cried, or was it rather the thousands of minimum-wage banana plantation workers? The short 400-word (a third of the length of this column) NYT proposal is so idiotic as it is appalling that it could have been drafted not by a professional journalist concerned with facts or logic or even human rights, but by a Filipino political par-

tisan launching a black propaganda drive against Duterte. Was it something a rich New Yorker Filipina handed over to a NYT editorial writer after dinner at her posh Manhattan apartment, telling him: “Just my draft, do whatever you want with it.” How many countries in the world have the US and the EU imposed trade and other economic sanctions against in the postwar period? Seven, four of which are troublesome—or “hate-America”— Middle East countries: 1) Iran, as a means to force it to stop its nuclear-bomb program; 2) Iraq, when it invaded Kuwait in 1990; 3) North Korea, also over its nuclear-bomb and missile delivery system; 4) Russia, for its invasion of the Ukraine’s Crimea territory; 5) Burma (Myanmar), in order to force it to free the renowned democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and undertake free elections; 6) Libya to stop alleged killing of anti-government protesters; and 7) Syria, ostensibly to stop its President Bashar al-Assad from killing the opposition, but in reality to force him out of office. Burma case The Burma case is informative, as the NYT or the New Yorkbased Yellow leader, wants the world to confuse what happened to that sorry country with us, or wish would happen. But it was not the European Parliament which ordered the sanctions against Burma, but the Council of the European Union, which means that all of the EU states approved the move. The NYT thinks we’ve done something as “bad’ as what Iran, Iraq, Russia, North Korea, Libya, Syria did that we deserve to be punished by trade sanctions? That’s why I’ve said we should all be outraged. Our government must issue a formal protest against the NYT editorial, and our Embassy there request the millions of Fil-Ams in the

US to boycott it for their insult to our nation. I cannot fathom how the NYT concluded that Senator Leila de Lima’s jailing for her alleged involvement in illegal drugs and the deaths due to police operations against suspected drug dealers are as threatening to the world as Iran and North Korea’s nuclear-arms programs, and Russia’s invasion of Crimea. Is our system of republican democracy and rule of law on the same level as Burma? Does the NYT think we’re a failed state like those in Africa that it thinks the US can bully us to comply with its notions of human rights, that actually do not correspond with Philippine reality? As atrocious as NYT’s putting us in the league of Iran, North Korea, Russia and Burma deserving trade sanctions, are its arguments for proposing to do so. The NYT claimed: “More than 7,000 suspected drug users and dealers, witnesses and bystanders—including children—have been killed by the police or vigilantes in the Philippines since last July.” The NYT piece came out March 24, and I’ve written two articles, March 20 and March 22, debunking that lie the news website Rappler spread around the world, which was fabricated by adding the 2,555 deaths the police claimed were killed in its anti-drug operations to the 4,525 of murders and deaths due to any reason. That Rappler made a mistake is incontrovertible, yet NYT uses that false number? To argue that Duterte is so bad that trade sanctions are needed to force him out of office, the NYT claimed: ‘The Philippine lawmaker Gary Alejano filed an impeachment complaint against Mr. Duterte, accusing him of corruption, murder and crimes against humanity in connection with his bloody antidrug campaign. ‘We are of the firm belief that he is unfit to hold the highest

NO LONGER IN AMERICAN HANDS? NYT’s biggest stockholder, the Mexican Carlos Slim, who vies with Bill Gates for the title of the world’s richest man.

office of the land,’ Mr. Alejano said.” Are the NYT writers so ignorant that they didn’t know that Alejano isn’t your ordinary “lawmaker” but the lackey of coup leader Antonio Trillanes IV, who has lied so much against Duterte few people believe him? Jude Jose Sabio To claim that Duterte is so bad he will be tried by The Haguebased International Criminal Court, the NYT said: “Jude Josue Sabio, a lawyer for two men who say they belonged to a death squad that operated under Mr. Duterte… says he intends to bring a case against Mr. Duterte in The Hague.” Didn’t the NYT bother to do a background check on this mediocre lawyer Sabio, who got to be mentioned in jurisprudence

because the Integrated Bar of the Philippines reprimanded him in 2007 for violating the lawyer’s Code of Professional Responsibility, which the Supreme Court in 2007 upheld and even fined him? What was his violation? For filing a groundless suit against a judge, who ruled against his client. Is that a habit of Sabio’s? To claim that we have no rule of law, the NYT said: “Last month, Mr. Duterte’s Justice Department ordered Senator Leila de Lima, one of Mr. Duterte’s most vocal opponents, arrested on spurious charges that she took bribes from drug traffickers.” Spurious charges? Didn’t NYT’s fact checkers check that six former drug lords testified that they gave bribes to

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A

Duterte assures Robredo impeachment against her won’t prosper by Julliane love

De JeSuS

Inquirer.net

THE last time President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo met, Duterte told Robredo that he will not allow the impeachment complaint against her to prosper. Robredo on Tuesday, March 28 recalled her conversation with the President when they met at the commencement exercises for the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) “Masidlak” Class of 2017 last Friday. “Iyong pagdating niya pa lang, sinalubong ko siya sa stage. Ang una niya sa akin sinabi na hindi niya papayagan iyong impeachment, iyon ang naalala kong sinabi niya. Sabi niya hindi pa nga one year after the elections, magtrabaho muna tayo,” Robredo said in an ambush interview at St. Paul University in Quezon City. (When he arrived, I met him at the stage. The first thing he said to me was he won’t allow the impeachment, that’s what I remember him saying. He said not even a year has passed after the elections, let’s work first.) Robredo, in turn, thanked Duterte. She also assured the President that she has nothing to do with the impeachment raps against the latter. “Sabi ko, Mr. President, sana po maniwala kayo sa akin na hindi naman po ako behind doon sa impeachment din laban sa iyo. Tapos iyong sagot niya sa akin, alam ko naman,” she said.

President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo show no signs of animosity as they exchange pleasantries while seated next to each other during the commencement exercises of the Philippine National Police Academy on Friday, March 24, 2017. Photo by Marianne Bermudez / Philippine Daily Inquirer

(I said, Mr. President, I hope you believe me that I’m not the one behind the impeachment against you. His answer to me was: I know.) Duterte’s allies are preparing an impeachment complaint against her for expressing opposition against Duterte’s bloody drug war before the international community, saying this falls under the violation of the Constitution for betraying public trust. Duterte has, however, defended Robredo from her critics, saying he believes that the Vice President has no hand in the alleged destablization plot against him. Critics of the President also filed an impeachment complaint against him. Dinner invitation Robredo also confirmed that Duterte invited her and her children to have dinner with him. “Noong nagpapaalam na ako

pauwi, sinabi niya sa akin na, bakit hindi tayo mag-dinner? Isama mo iyong mga anak mo, sama ko din iyong pamilya ko,” she recalled. (When I said goodbye, he told me, why don’t we have dinner? Bring your children, I’ll also bring my family.) Robredo then told Duterte: “Sige po. Sabihin niyo na lang po kung kailan.” (Okay. Just tell me when it will be.) After their brief conversation, Robredo said Duterte called Special Assistant to the President Bong Go and instructed him to schedule the dinner. Although there’s no date yet, Robredo said they might meet when the President returns to Manila. Duterte is currently in his home province in Davao to celebrate his birthday. n

The NYT’s hatchet job on…

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De Lima, which her own former lover and an assistant had confirmed? If NYT bothered to do some quick research, they would have discovered that De Lima asked the Supreme Court to be released. Does the NYT think it is just a tool of Duterte, when its chief justice and four other justices were appointed by former President Aquino? The Yellow pieces all fall into place, into a plot: the 7,000 false figure fabricated and disseminated by Rappler’s yellow

editors, the impeachment complaint by Trillanes’ minion, the suit purportedly to be filed at the International Court of Justice by a mediocre lawyer, and then De Lima’s portrayal of herself as a human rights victim. All to make up the narrative that Duterte must be taken out, with Filipinos threatened to be hurt through trade sanctions if they don’t move against him. What a worn-out script. * Unlike the set-up in most Philippine newspapers, the NYT’s editorial board that writes

its editorials consists of 16 fulltime journalists. They take turns writing the editorial for the day, edited and approved by the editorial page editor, currently James Bennet. Although the NYT claims that the editorials represent the voice of its board, its editor and publisher, the paper’s deadline constraints do not require each editorial to be approved by the board. None of the current editorial board member are described as having covered Southeast Asia, or the Philippines. (ManilaTimes.net)

CONSERVING AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT. Sen. Cynthia A. Villar enjoys watching the floats in this year’s Anilag festival of Laguna with the theme “Handog ng Laguna sa Lawa ng Pag-asa.” The Land Float Parade & Competition showcases the “wonders” of the province and the good life it offers residents. In her speech, the senator, chair of the Senate environment committee, urges Lagunenses to continue their advocacy and involvement in environment conservation and protection. Senate photo

UN calls on Congress leaders to reject lowering of criminal liability in PH by Dana

SioSon AJPress

THE United Nations (UN) has sent a letter to the leaders of the Philippine Congress, urging them to not lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility in the country. In a letter sent to Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez Jr. last January, UN Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral on Violence Against Children (VAC) Marta Santos Pais said that the move to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility would only further expose children to violence in prison facilities. She argued that lowering the age of criminal responsibility and punitive criminal justice to youth offenses will have negative consequences. Among the effects she cited include: risks of being used in criminal activities at increasingly younger ages; compromising completion of education and access to opportunities for vocational skills; and stigmatizing

them as criminals and exposing them to further violence, neglect and social exclusion. “The human brain is not fully developed in its capacity for cognitive functioning and emotional control until well into the period of young adulthood,” Pais said. She argued that exposing children to toxic stress or violent environments – such as in prisons – this “will have irreversible damage to their brain architecture and create high long-term financial costs for families and the government.” Likewise, she added that the move would only lead them to further commit crimes. In a statement, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines Representative Lotta Sylwander said that “punishing and incarcerating children is not going to have any impact on crime reduction.” “Why penalize children who are themselves victims and do not have the maturity to discern right from wrong?” Sylwander said, pointing out that the percentage of children involved in crime is less than 2 percent.

She argued that such move “will only condemn and damage the children for life instead of giving them a chance to reform.” “The underlying and structural factors that bring about child abuse, exploitation and violence must be addressed first. We need to invest in the full implementation of the Juvenile Justice Law, which is a much commended law. Then there should be support for parenting programmes to deter at-risk children from committing crimes,” she added. A bill seeking to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility in the country from 15 to 9 years old was previously filed by Alvarez and Rep. Fredenil Castro. While Alvarez and Castro acknowledged that protecting the youth was “laudable,” they argued that it has opposite effects. “The pampering of youthful offenders knowing they can get away with it. Worse, adult criminals individually, or in organized cabals knowingly and purposely make use of youth below 15 years of age to commit crimes,” Alvarez and Castro’s bill read. n

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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 3 1 , 20 1 7

75th AnniversAry of BAtAAn DeAth MArch

Remembering the courage of our heroes by AJPress

On April 9, 1942, three months after the Bataan of Bataan in the Philippines during World War II; Filipino and American prisoners of war were forcibly transferred by the Imperial Japanese Army from Mariveles, Bataan to Camp O’Donnell in Tarlac. They marched approximately 60 miles under extreme heat, with no provisions for food, water, shelter or medicine. Along the way, those who could no longer go on were beaten, bayoneted, shot or beheaded by their Japanese captors. Approximately 10,000 Filipino and 650 American soldiers died during the march. These soldiers fought in the Bataan Peninsula for 99 days without reinforcement or air support, but they were able to disrupt the 50-day timetable of the Imperial Japanese Army before their surrender. This delay prevented the Japanese from reaching Australia. This year commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Bataan Death March, keeping mind the valor and sacrifices of these brave soldiers who fought in Bataan,

Corregidor and other parts of the Philippines. Despite being abandoned early on during the war, the Filipino and American soldiers of the U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) fought gallantly in the Bataan Peninsula for 99 days without reinforcement or air support. But they managed to disrupt the 50-day timetable of the Imperial Japanese Army before their surrender, despite suffering from massive disease and starvation. “This is the real significance of the Bataan Death March,” said Bataan Legacy Historical Society (BLHS) Director Cecilia Gaerlan. “While their bodies were beaten their spirits remained steadfast and true to the ideals of freedom and justice for all. As stewards of this great legacy, we have a great obligation not only to our ancestors but to future generations.” Last year, BLHS worked successfully with the California Department of Education to include the Bataan Death March and WWII in the Philippines in the U.S. history curriculum framework for Grade 11. It is now starting

the next phase to help enable its implementation by creating sample lesson plans. Commemoration of Bataan Death March along Bataan Road A symbolic march will take place on Saturday, April 8, 2017 on Bataan Road in Orangeburg, new York to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Bataan Death March. Thousands are expected to participate in the event that will commence at 1:00 pm. This historic event is highlighted by a half-mile long symbolic march, sponsored by the Philippine-American Cultural Foundation in partnership with Dominican College and The Filipino-American Triathlon Club. Many veterans groups and Filipino-American civic groups are set to participate and they will be joined by active duty troops of the 31st Infantry Regiment from Ft. Drum, nY, a unit whose forebears fought so valiantly at Bataan, and a locally based national Guard unit. To bridge the gap of 75 years, students are being encouraged

KathNiel parting ways? by Deni Rose M. AfiniDAD-BeRnARDo Philstar.com

Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla give life to Mia and Ely who would start their lives again in Spain in the film “Barcelona: A Love Untold.”

RUMOR has it that for career growth, Daniel Padilla’s camp allegedly asked ABS-CBn to have him paired with fellow singer-actor Sarah Geronimo. The suspicion that Daniel is slowly drifting away from his love team with Kathryn Bernardo has been growing stronger as Daniel had been recently seen more and more frequently with Sarah, singing a duet or hosting with her in the Sunday variety show “ASAP.” Daniel also expressed his desire to do a movie with Sarah. Is this the beginning of the end for Team Kathniel? When asked what she feels about Daniel filming with Sarah, Kathryn said: “Ako rin, gusto ko maka-work si Ate (Sarah) kasi fan ako ni Miss Sarah Geronimo. At kung magkaroon man sila ng project together in the future with or without me, i-support na lang natin kasi gusto n’ya ‘yun and para magbigay din tayo ng ibang opportunity dahil cute din naman din if ever mangyari at big fan din ako ni Ate Sarah.” During her recent launch as beauty brand endorser of Pond’s, Kathryn denied that she feels intimidated by the rumors, which is why she has been exercising harder and getting sexier and hotter. “Puro training kasi kailangan namin maging ready physically. ‘Di ko pwede sabihin kung anong

Is Kathryn Bernardo getting sexier because she is threatened by Sarah Geronimo? Screenshot from Kathryn Bernardo’s Instagram

tine-train namin, pero bago s’ya sa’kin, so kailangan kong aralin and nakaka-excite kasi habang nagte-train ka, sinasabi na talaga nila kung para saan ‘yun,” she explained on how she has been preparing for an upcoming TV series with Daniel, “La Luna Sangre.” She, however, admitted in an interview withPhilstar.com that she has been dieting and taking dancing lessons. “nagwo-workout ako para makain ko lahat ng gusto ko!” she quickly dismissed. In a press conference for Star Magic Ball’s 25th anniversary, Daniel was asked about the real score between him and Kathryn, to which he said: “Alam n’yo na ‘yun!” What does Kathryn feel about this? “Eh ‘di alam n’yo na ‘yun! Paano ba dapat magreact? Eh ‘di tanungin n’yo na lang ulit s’ya!” the actress told reporters. If Daniel wishes to team up with Sarah, Kathryn said she also has her own wish list for next leading men, including John Lloyd Cruz, Piolo Pascual and Jericho Rosales. “I’m very open kung sino ‘yung ipe-pair basta ‘yung maga-guide ako at marami akong matututunan sa tao na ‘yun,” Kathryn said. Her wish to spend her 21st birthday in a beach with Daniel came true. Last March 26, Kathryn posted her sweet photos with Daniel in Palawan.

to take part. Following the march, there will be an introduction of dignitaries. Tess De Vega, the Consul General of the Philippines Consulate General nY will be a primary speaker and homage will be paid to the 31st Infantry Regiment and the Philippine Scouts. Filipino-American Latin

soul legend Joe Bataan will perform, as will Ed Simons, 100 year old violinist, who was part of a string-trio that played for President Harry S. Truman on the ship taking him to and from the Potsdam Conference; The Voice of Friendship Singers, led by an alumnus of the world famous Philippine Madrigal Singers, will sing the national anthems of the US and the Philippines and will give their rendition of several famous Filipino songs. All WWII veterans in attendance will be singled out for special honors. A memorial plaque will be unveiled and educational symposium on the history and significance of Bataan will be held at Lawrence Hall of Dominican College from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. On the same day that Pearl Harbor was attacked, the Japanese also invaded the Philippines, which in December, 1941 was still a Commonwealth of the U.S. This culminated in a major military engagement which took place on the Bataan Peninsula. Following months of a hard fought, drawn out battle, a joint force of 75,000 Philippine and American troops surrendered

to Japan on April 9, 1942, largely due to lack of food and ammunition as well as rampant disease. Refusing to pay heed to the Geneva Convention, the Japanese forced their captives, many already seriously ill and near starvation, to walk 65 miles, devoid of food and water, in oppressive summer heat. In what has become known as the Bataan Death March, an estimated 1000 Americans and 10,000 Filipino died, many brutally murdered by their guards. But, for the Philippine-American forces, this was just the beginning of their March through hell. “Guests of the Emperor” until the very last day of WWII, subjected to one inhumanity after another, only one out of three finally came home alive, and many of the survivors were just shells of their former selves. 75 years later, on Saturday, April 8, on Bataan Road, Orangeburg, nY, the FilipinoAmerican community will commemorate their heroism and sacrifice. *All photos from the National Archives and Records Administration (www.archives. gov).

Jennylyn to bring home biological dad from Korea by LhAR sAntiAgo ManilaTimes.net

COME Holy Week, Jennylyn Mercado will fly to Korea not for a vacation but to pick up her biological father who works over there as a musician, and finally bring him home to the Philippines. The GMA network actress has decided that it’s about time for her to live with her dad. “My communication with my Dad has always been open. He’s updated with what’s happening in my life. When Mommy Lydia died, he asked me if I was alright, and if I need his company. I told him I need him to be with me. Iba pa rin kasi pag may kasama kang kaanak. It’s been hard for me to manage my household since Mommy Lydia passed away. I now have to take care of everything. Dati yung mga bills, pamalengke and other needs, si Mommy ang nagaayos. I really need someone who I can really trust and I believe that’s my Dad. I also want my son Jazz to grow up knowing him,” said Jen. Besides picking-up her dad, Jen is also planning to visit the set of “My Love From The Star.”“I really am looking forward to see the set. Sobrang interested ako kasi siyempre, I’m doing the Filipino version, so I really want to have a first-hand feel of the set,” she said. The actress will only have a one-week break in Korea, with work waiting for her a soon as she gets back. She has to tape for her cooking show, and will also resume shooting a movie. “I’m so excited about this movie I’m doing. This is something different for me. People have been used to seeing me in romantic-comedy films and drama. This time, it will be a thriller that I will offer them. I like my character here because it’s something that I haven’t done.” Her upcoming series “My Love From The Star” is also on Jen’s priority list. She is happy to announce that they have finished taping almost half

Jennylyn Mercado

of the series, and they are so happy with the results. “Ginalingan talaga ni Direk Joyce [Bernal],” exclaimed Jen. “I am so proud of what we’ve done. I can’t wait for it to be aired. I’m sure, people will really enjoy it. Ang daming nakatutuwang eksena, yung mga nakakaaliw at nakakakilig. Cute nung love story ni Stephanie, the character that I play, at ni Mateo, the role of Gil [Cuerva, Jen’s leading man].” If there’s one thing that makes Jen happy on the set of “My Love From The Star,” it’s Gil’s quick adjustment to life as an actor. Jen swears the newcomer is doing so well on the set. Even Gil’s relationship with the people on the set has warmed up, according to Jen. Blessings indeed keep on coming to Jen. She has a movie, two

TV shows and just last weekend, Showbuzz exclusively witnessed her contract signing with Seoul Skin, her newest endorsement. The company manufactures beauty products like lipstick and whitening soap. “When it was offered to me, I didn’t immediately said yes. I asked for the products and used them. Sa totoo lang, people are telling me na lalo akong pumuti after I used the soap. Tamang-tama nga because my peg now is the type of fair skin na parang Koreana because of My Love From The Star.” Jen is turning 30 in May and people are asking her if she has any plans to settle down. She knows she’s already of age but maintains she is not in a hurry. “The right time will come. As for now, gusto ko munang maayos ang condition ni Jazz. Pag OK na, saka ko iisipin yan,” Jen declared.

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ An open letter to the president: Dear Pres. Trump: Before you were elected president, you were one of the world’s premier builders. Your buildings fill the New York City skyline, and skylines of so many other cities within the US and around the world. Before starting a building project, you naturally obtained cost estimates from contractors for the various supplies and labor, to bring those projects in “ahead of time and below budget.” Have you given that same careful consideration in connection with building a wall between the US and Mexico? It is supposed to be over 30 feet high, and run for thousands of miles. Many engineers and contractors estimate it will take tens of billions of dollars to construct that wall. This includes millions of cubic yards of concrete, steel rebar, labor costs of workers, excavation, maintenance roads, buying up rights to private

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

THIS is the third and final installment of the 15 Tips on How to Build A House of Bricks Series. 11. Pray without ceasing to the God of your being. realize that when you do, you will never be alone. The single, most important foundation of any life begins with the realization that by yourself alone, without help, you can do nothing of real meaning and lasting value. No obstacle is too big, no situation too difficult, or setback too overwhelming that cannot be helped by constant, heartfelt prayer and a foundation of faith so strong, it can move mountains. In the physical world, gravity holds everything together. In the spiritual

Pres. Trump: Build bridges, not walls! property to build the wall, etc. The annual cost to maintain that wall would be in the billions of dollars as well. And, will it really accomplish the purpose or goal of keeping people and drugs out of the US? If you build a 30 foot wall, people will buy 31 foot ladders. They will also build tunnels dozens of feet beneath the existing walls, and use catapults to launch drugs and other items over the existing walls. Moreover, a large number of overstays did not necessarily come across the Mexican border. Many arrived on valid US visas, and remained in the US. Are we can now going to build walls at the seaports and airports? rather than spending all of those billions of dollars on a wall, you should spend that money on building bridges. on filling potholes. on building roads, hospitals, public transportation, and other worthy job – creating projects within the US. If given the choice between spending billions of dollars on that wall versus infrastructure, I believe the vast majority of

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Americans would want to see our infrastructure built, upgraded, and repaired. All I’m asking is that you, as a former builder with intimate knowledge of cost overruns, take another look at the wall, and what other worthy, productive uses that money can be put to for the betterment of America. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

How to build a house of bricks

world, where transitional human life is ultimately headed, prayer is the most powerful force there is. 12. Bring it all together. once your circumstances become stable and you are able to choose the type of work you love to do and more importantly, that which makes you happy — Go for IT. The shift will be uncomfortable and unnerving at first. Seek the path that makes use of the abilities and the talents that you were born with. Listen to what your whole being says you were meant to do and enter that rare, enviable state of being that finally feels like coming home. 13. rein in the spirit of the crab. Put a number of live crabs in a basket and witness how crabs behave. Any crab successful enough to rise above the heads of the other crabs to escape the confines of the basket will be pulled down by the pincer claws of the other crabs underfoot. The

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crab mentality is nothing more than envy in disguise— alive and well in human nature. Lest you think the Severe Acute Crab Syndrome (SACS) — a name I coined for this social phenomenon — is endemic or unique only to a specific community, take heart, for we’re not alone. other immigrant communities report the same thing. To counteract this, try and be happy for others (even if it kills you). 14. Strive to learn any way you can. Learning is a lifelong process of adaptation. To copy Yoda’s transposed way of making a point, “Adapt, you must. or die early, you will.” The dodo bird of the Galapagos never learned to adapt, never learned to defend itself against predators and became extinct. It’s been said that the human mind is like a cup with a hole at the bottom. You just have to keep trying to fill that bottomless cup. But be warned: intelligence

BEAUTY QUEEN’S CASE DENIED BECAUSE OF FRAUD, ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Karen married U.S. citizen Paul in 2007. It was a match made in heaven, until their beautiful life was put under extreme hardship when Karen’s adjustment of status was denied, after she was found guilty of immigration fraud. They submitted a fraud waiver, and even that was denied. The couple was devastated and all plans for their family and businesses were shattered. Everything seemed hopeless until leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel took over Karen’s case and fought to convince USCIS Karen never committed any fraud. Watch how the “Beauty Queen” and her family regained their charmed life and Karen’s name was cleared, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC.

Denial of a fraud waiver shatters this beauty dueen’s American dreams – on Citizen Pinoy

IT was a match made in heaven when beauty titlist Karen exchanged “I do’s” with US citizen Paul in 2007. They were shuttling between the US and the Philippines, managing their businesses and happily living their successful life. When they finally decided to settle in the US, they thought getting a green card through a spousal petition by Paul for Karen would be easy. But tragedy struck! At her

interview, Karen was accused of fraud, and was required to submit a fraud waiver. The fraud waiver prepared by the lawyers they initially retained was denied. They felt their life and dreams crumbled right in front of them. Hope came when they saw an episode of CITIZeN PINoY while they were at a filipino restaurant. They immediately consulted with leading US immigration attorney MICHAeL J. GUrfINKeL on what

to do with their denied fraud waiver case. find out how the “third times a charm”, when Atty. Gurfinkel, as their third attorney, was able to turn Karen’s case completely around, by convincing USCIS Karen commited no fraud, and no fraud waiver was even required on an encore episode of CITIZeN PINoY on Sunday 6:15 pm PST/eST (9:15 pm eST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

alone is sorely inadequate. The whole person’s mind and heart must evolve. of the two, the heart should lead. A good heart has a wisdom all its own. Blaise Pascal, a noted french philosopher noted: “The heart has its reasons that reason does not know.” Draw from the strength of one’s native culture and weave it into the new one. The hybrid is often better suited to the new environment. Yet, we must never lose sight of the fact that in the end, all learning means nothing

if we never learn how to love. 15. See the big picture. Between birth and death is life. How you live your life is up to you. Many of the wisest men who have pondered the meaning and the purpose of life over thousands of years, have defined life according to their own perceptions and circumstances. In the end, if you are in full control of all your faculties as an average human being, you and you alone define your own life with the set of gifts,

talents and the circumstances that life gives you. remember what someone wise wrote so succinctly long ago about the essence of any worthwhile life and that is — To LIVe WeLL, LAUGH ofTeN AND LoVe MUCH. May the house of bricks you build allow you to do all that. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

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On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places

PIDCI honors 2017 Grand Marshals Drs. Rod & Elma Castillo

BoBBy T. yalong ThE much-awaited year-long planned annual celebration of PIDCI’s (Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc.) Grand Marshal Night successfully came to light last Saturday, March 25, 2017 at the posh Marriott hotel Newark Liberty International Airport sans neither hitch nor glitch. The full-to-the-rafters fashionable event deliberately honored one of the most revered couples in the Filipino-American community: a low-key seasoned man in the person of Dr. Rodrigo Castillo and his avidly trendy wife and unmistakably a woman of distinction, Dr. Elma De Villa-Castillo. Through the indefatigable rummaging around and persistent persuasion of PIDCI’s Board Member and Grand Marshal Search Chair Ollie C. David, the husband and wife tandem of pediatricians were finally encouraged and overtly accepted the most coveted roles as 2017 PIDCI Grand Marshals. Let’s get to know the 2017 PIDCI Grand Marshals: Dr. Rodrigo Castillo, a Doctor of

Drs. Rod and Elma Castillo led the state dance

2017 PIDCI Grand Marshal Ball Chair Ollie C. David

GM Chair Ollie David with Dr. Amarga

Medicine alumnus of Far Eastern University in Manila, (Class of 1977) migrated to the United States in 1980 and finished his Pediatric Residency at Long Island College hospital in Brooklyn, New York (1982-85)…and later worked in the Emergency Room at humana hospital in Richland, Virginia for a year. he then moved back to New York and became an ER Pediatric

Attending in Long Island College hospital while establishing his Pediatric Practice in New York City. In 1990, Dr. Castillo moved to New Jersey and established his own Pediatric Practice in West New York, NJ and Secaucus, NJ with his wife, Dr. Elma Castillo, also a Pediatrician. Rigodon dancers posed for posterity he has admitting privileges at Palisade Medical Center in North Bergen, NJ and Meadowlands hospital Medical Center in Secaucus,

The Grand Rigodon ensemble

NJ. A Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Castillo is also a member of the Philippine Pediatric Society of America- NJ Chapter and a dynamic member of the FEU Alumni Medical Foundation- NJ Chapter. On the other hand, Dr. Elma Castillo was also a graduate from Far Eastern University in Manila in 1978, and did her Pediatric Residency Training at Long Island College The Grand Marshals’ grandiose family

The ever glamorous Dr. Elma Castillo

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

FOR RENT

Continued on Page 7 The Grand Marshals being surrounded with friends and supporters

FOR RENT

A chat with The Beautiful Life’s 2017 Award of Distinction Awardee: Mrs. Corazon Rosete

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Calendar of Events across By Monet

Lu

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” - Confucius NOT many of us can say we have found what Confucius would have described as “a perfect job.” Most people hold their jobs because they need to make ends meet; but can they honestly say that they love doing what they’re doing? Not very often and it’s because it is not their calling. Today, we will be talking about a woman who may be the most dedicated person I have ever known. She’s served in the nursing department for 47 years. Now retired, this amazing person tells us what it’s like to ‘choose a job you love and never have to work a day…’ Meet Mrs. Corazon Rosete: The Beautiful Life Celebration 2017 Awardee of Distinction in the field of Nursing Services. Question: So, 46 years. What was it like to love a job for 46 years? Cora: First, let me start with the facts: I am a registered nurse and I just retired, after 46 years of service at Kaiser Permanente. I started as a head nurse at a community hospital in Hollywood. That was my first job when I arrived in the U.S. in 1968. After that, I transferred to Kaiser in 1970, where they trained me to be to be a critical nurse for three months: one month for intensive care (ICU), another for critical care (CCU) then one month in open heart unit. They asked me to choose my specialty and I wanted to choose the open heart unit at the time but due to the shortage of successful open heart cases, they couldn’t train for that specialty. Instead, they transferred me to the coronary or intensive care unit, which is a combination of critical care patient, respiratory, medical and surgical. That was my life for over four decades and I loved every single day of it. My only prayer every day was that I wouldn’t make a mistake that would kill a patient. It was not an easy job, I admit. In my first few months of working, I did not own a car so I took the bus to work and my sister would pick me up at midnight. I loved being a nurse because I learned a lot, the salary was stable that it allowed me to support my

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS THE U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported last week that “nine deaths and hundreds of cases of a rare cancer have been linked with breast implants.” The malignancy here is not breast cancer but an immune system cancer known as anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL). The cancer nurtures itself in the breast, notably in the scar tissue around the foreign body implant. Fortunately, in most cases this is treatable. The implant-cancer link was noted in 2011. As of February 2017, the FDA has recorded 359 cases of ALCL linked to breast implant. The Times reported stated “the disease is most likely to occur with textured implants that have a pebbly surface rather than a smooth surface…and of the 359 reported cases, there was information about the implant surface in 231. Of those, 203 patients had textured implants and 28 had smooth implants. Whether the implants contained silicone gel or saline appeared much less important than surface texture in disease risk.” The number of this ALCL cases worldwide is not known. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons there were about 290,000 women in the United States in 2016 who had implants for breast enlargement and 109,000 received implants for reconstruction after breast cancer surgery.” Any pain, lumps, fluid accumulation or swelling of the breast after an implant, no matter when surgery was done need to be evaluated by the surgeon. To prevent blindness A retrospective study published in the JAMA Ophthalmology found that many children and adolescents with diabetes are not being screened in a timely fashion for diabetic retinopathy, a common cause of

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Filipino Cursillos’ Kalbaryo show in San Diego, CA

family back in the Philippines, and I felt like a doctor! ICU nurses are trained to do their best when there’s a “code blue” in the event that the doctor is not around, it is our job to try and save the patient in the best way possible, the best way we can. Q: What would you say most motivates you to do what you do? Cora: Initially, my goal was to provide for my family and to help support my sisters too. We were not rich and my father would always remind me to love my job--whatever it may be. Secondly, I feel fulfilled in caring for emergency or ICUpatients. As a matter of fact, I helped save quite a few patients who suffered from heart attack. Being somehow responsible for the life of my patients kept me motivated, from caring for a newborn to a senior patient. I am overjoyed whenever I check a patient out of the critical care unit. The best part of my day is when my patients actually say, “I remember you, you took care of me when I was in ICU.” Q. Who do you consider your greatest influence? Cora: My Dad. He is a very religious man and what he may have lacked in his ability to earn for us (when he quit his job), he makes up for being so domesticated. He would do laundry, clean the house; he would pick up my dirty uniform at the dorm every Saturday, wash and iron it, then he would bring it back to me on Sunday so I have something clean to wear the next day. He would always tell me to think positive. Q: What was your childhood like?

Cora: I grew up in the Philippines and like I said, we were very poor. There were 22 of us in the house because my father took in my cousins from the province so they could go to school in Manila. We would only get to eat spam and corned beef when it was a special occasion. And that was shared among all 22 of us. In ordinary days, we’d eat galunggong. It’s one galunggong per person. And it’s cooked in many different ways – sautéed, fried, stewed, name it! When my Dad got ill, he had to quit his job. Since my mom didn’t work also, it was my sister who worked and supported us. I have six siblings. When my other sibling finished school, she supported the next one, then the next one supported the next sibling and the pattern continued until all of us graduated to get good jobs. Q: For you, what is “A Beautiful Life?” Cora: A Beautiful Life is having a job that gives you the capability to give back. Also, a beautiful life is being blessed with a wonderful husband. God gave me a husband who loved me dearly. *** 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 all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Breast implant and cancer blindness among diabetics. Diabetic retinopathy is a dangerous complication of diabetes which causes blood vessels in the eyes to leak, causing distortion of vision and can eventually lead to blindness. In early stages, this disease of the retina may not have symptoms. The American Academy of Ophthalmology strongly recommends retinopathy screening be performed five years after a diagnosis of type 1 (Juvenile) diabetes is confirmed to reduce the risk of blindness. For those with type 2 diabetes, common among adults, screening is done at the time diagnosis is made, not later. Diabetics and parents/ guardians of diabetic children are advised to confer with their attending physician about this retinal screening. Dangers of body art Body Art is a popular fad especially among adolescents and young adults, which includes tattooing or body part piercing. The tattoos are usually on the chest, arms, belly, butts, ankles, or on just about any area of the body. They come in different shapes, design, color and various objects, like a girl, snake, flag, heart, words of protest or love messages. It is estimated that 10 percent to 25 percent of young adults (25 and under) have at least one tattoo. A survey in one university involving 454 students (236 females and 218 males), which was 14 percent of the total enrollment, revealed that 23 percent (106) of them had one to three tattoos. This could well mirror the prevalence in other schools and universities in the country, perhaps higher in big cities, compared to the conservative communities. The most popular sites were the back among women and the arms and hands among men. One hundred twenty nine (51 percent) of those surveyed had a least one body piercing, 90 percent of men having had ears pierced, and 54 percent of the females had pierced navel, 49 percent ears and 27 percent, the tongue. Some of both the males and females had pierced nipples, eyebrows and genitalia.

Complications of body art include infection of the tattooed or pierced skin, transmission of hepatitis B and C, and HIV (AIDS). Allergic reaction, besides pain, swelling and bleeding, are potential complications of tattooing or body piercing. Keloid and scar formation is another. Infection is common because the needle and instruments used for tattooing or body piercing are mostly not medically sterile. A significant number of patients with hepatitis subsequently develop hepatoma, cancer of the liver, which is deadly. Botox Clostridium botulinum is a bacteria, whose toxin produces muscle paralysis among the victims of botulism food poisoning. Advances in medical technology has made it possible for physicians, usually plastic surgeons, to use the botulinum toxin (botox) as a shot in the face to induce transient and localized paralysis in the facial muscles to smoothen out wrinkles between the eyebrows, for frown lines and furrowed brows. The cosmetic effect has been impressive, but this is temporary. Besides this, botox shot has also been found to stave off migraine headaches among individuals who are resistant to conventional therapy. There are many more uses of this “good” toxin in clinical medicine today. Colonoscopy saves lives Colonoscopy is a procedure where a flexible endoscope (malleable tube like a telescope), equipped with fiberoptic lighting and (video CCD) camera, is passed through the anus, to view and examine the inner walls of the colon (large bowels) and distal part of the small bowels for any abnormality, like bleeding, ulcers, or the presence of benign poly(s), or cancer. Thru the colonoscope, excision of polyps, or biopsies may also be performed for a definitive microscopic tissue diagnosis. A sigmoidoscope is another scope that examines the final two feet of the colon, while the colonoscope examines the rest of the entire colon which is about four to five feet long. Many times it is done in Continued on Page 6

The Filipino Cursillos in Christianity of Los Angeles, CA (FCIC-LA) will present a Kalbaryo (Lenten) show about the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus on Saturday, April 8. It will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Pala Mission Church, San Juan Diego Center at 3015 Pala Mission Rd., Pala, CA 92059. For further information, please contact any of the following: Tess Tan Torres at (213) 249-1507; Agnes Golingay at (818) 599-8401; Len Balino at (310) 203-3639; Genie Bagsic at (858) 472-9338; or Oddie Sabas at (760) 670-5868.

APRIL 14

Greenlining Institute Economic Summit in Oakland, CA On Friday, April 14, the Greenlining Institute’s 24th annual Economic Summit will boldly tackle local and national controversies as it focuses on the theme, “Racial Justice on the Frontlines.” With Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza moderating the opening discussion, community activists, political and business leaders will take on such challenging issues as gentrification, tech diversity (or the lack thereof), possible repeal of the Affordable Care Act and the impending arrival of Uber in downtown Oakland. It will be held at Oakland Marriott City Center at 1001 Broadway, Oakland, California. Registration opens 8 a.m., program starts at 8:30 and runs to 5:45 p.m. For more information, please visit www. greenlining.org.

APRIL 15

‘A Musical Odyssey’ in Cerritos, CA Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA, Inc. and DreamAgeGroup presents Rudolf Paleaz Golez, an internationally acclaimed Filipino virtuoso pianist in “A Musical Odyssey” on Saturday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. Other local singing talents will be present at the concert, such as recording artist Sean Collado, aspiring actress and singer Sheila Tejada, Sabrina Oxciano and Samantha Murray. Ticket prices are $35, $65 and $100. Proceeds of this performance will go toward the Pangansian Brotherhood-USA’s scholarship funds, which helps academically successful seniors who are college-bound in both the greater Los Angeles area and the Philippines. The performance will be at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts’ Sierra Room at 12700 Center Court Drive South, Cerritos, California 90703. Interested parties may contact project managers Dan E. Nino at (562) 921-5116 or denino1951@gmail.com; E. Mendoza at (623) 341-6247 or thedreamagegroup@gmail.com; Lino F. Caringal, Jr. at (714) 808-2642 or linojr.caringal@gmail.com; Bong Soriano at (909) 851-1493 or believe1156@gmail.com; Neil Estrada at (562) 301-9972 or bluezero2sixty@yahoo.com; or Feliz Lopez at (562) 572-2301 or fblopezinsurance@msn. com.

APRIL 20

CAUSE’s annual gala in Los Angeles Join Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) for its annual gala on Thursday, April 20. It will be held at LA Hotel’s California Ballroom at 333 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071. The event begins at 5 p.m. with a VIP reception. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact kim@causeusa.org or visit www.causeusa.org.

APRIL 21

Fundraising event to benefit the first-ever Filipino American Heritage and Arts Museum in Las Vegas The Filipino American Heritage and Arts Museum (FAHAM) will host “Heritage Celebration - Filipinos Landing in California,” a fundraising event on Friday, April 21, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Dallas Ballroom of Texas Station Hotel and Casino. Festivities include a buffet dinner, arts exhibits, vendor booths, cultural entertainment a native fashion show, a Philippine history presentation, and dance performances. The cultural entertainment will be provided by the FAHAM Cultural Dance Group, Heart of Polynesia, Gina Kim Korean Dance Group, Filipiniana Dance Company of Las Vegas, Sophia Ramos, Sharon Tanyag, and DJ Mike. Emcees will be Amie and Leo Belmonte. The donation is $50 / person. Attire is formal. FAHAM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is currently America’s first Filipino American Museum, Archives, Legacy, Culture, Innovation Research Center, and Library Garden founded in Delaware by Mrs. Ditta Camomot, M.Ed., M.A. Its holdings are artifacts, ethological materials, and ecclesiastical, historical, arts and ephemera collections, as well as environmental projects. Texas Station is located at 2101 Texas Star Ln, North Las Vegas, NV 89032. For tickets and more information, please contact Salve Edelman at (702) 418-8968.

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12th annual Sikad ng Bayan bike ride in Anaheim Hills, CA The Sikad ng Bayan (Cycling for the Nation) is an annual bike ride that raises funds to build preschools for less fortunate communities at Gawad Kalinga (GK) villages in the Philippines. It is a non-competitive ride that will be held on Saturday, April 29, where cyclists traverse the Orange and Los Angeles counties. And in true Filipino fashion, this fun ride culminates in a Pinoy-style luncheon where cyclists can get together and know more about Sikad. It will be held at the Yorba Regional Park (7600 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92807). For more information or to register please visit www.sikad.org or call Rey D. at (562) 964-1445 or Robbie V. at (949) 351-8344.

APRIL 30

Filipino Cultural School to host “Sari-Sari Talent Show 2017” in Cerritos, CA Filipino Cultural School (FCS) will host its 2nd annual Sari Sari: Talent Show Fundraiser on Sunday, April 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Josephine’s Cerritos (11305 183rd St, Cerritos, CA 90703). Filipino Cultural School, based in Cerritos, CA and other neighboring cities, is a 501(c)(3) Non Profit Organization geared to the preservation and promotion of the Philippine heritage and culture. FCS has and continues to be open to all. Filipinos and non-Filipinos who are interested in Philippine culture are invited to attend. “Sari-Sari” is a Tagalog word for “variety,” and in this talent show, FCS aims to celebrate the diverse talents of our community members in forms of singing, dancing, spoken words, etc., along with some great Filipino food from the restaurant. Pre-sale tickets are $10 for ages 13 years old and above, and $5 for ages 12 years old and under. Door prices will be $15 for ages 13 years old and above, and still $5 for ages 12 years old and under (ticket prices do not include food). The raised funds for the event will go towards helping cover for the cost of venue, insurance, and materials for the FCS Summer Program. For information on how to purchase a ticket and also sign-up to perform in the show, please visit the website http://filipinoculturalschool.org. For any inquiries, feel free to contact FCS at filipinoculturalschool@ gmail.com.

M Ay 6

25th Annual Filipino Fiesta in Waikiki, HI The Filipino Community Center, Inc. will be hosting its 25th Annual Filipino Fiesta on Saturday, May 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. This year’s theme marks the 25th year of the annual celebration with the theme, “And the Fun Continues...” The event is free and open to the public! Participation from the local Hawaii and Hawaii-Filipino community from the over 100 Filipino community organizations, U.S. and or Philippine based business owners and/or their representatives are expected. For more information about the Filipino Fiesta, please visit www.filcom.org or call (808) 680-0451.

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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L-R PIDCI President Dr. Prospero Lim, 2016 Grand Marshal Dr. Ned Pulido, 2017 Grand Marshals Dr. Elma Castillo and Dr. Rod Castillo, 2016 Grand Marshal Mrs. Menchie Pulido, Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega, 2001 Grand Marshal Dr. Vivi Malantic, former PIDCI President Fe Martinez, 2013 Grand Marshal Rebecca Rivera, 2014 Grand Marshals Dr. Emilio Quines and Dr. Felicisima David-Quines, 2015 Grand Marshal Photo by Mr. Boyet Loverita and former PIDCI President Atty. Reuben Seguritan, 2008 Grand Marshal Msgr. Oscar A. Aquino, JCD Minister Patrick A. Chuasoto, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Philippine Embassy (first row, 4th from right) poses for a group photo with the students and members of the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue (FIND) District VI at the 2017 District VI Merienda held at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County on Sunday, March 26.

2017 Merienda series tackles identity issues and mixed heritage experiences

Philippine Embassy Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Minister Patrick A. Chuasoto delivers the keynote speech at the 2017 District VI Merienda held at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

wASHINGToN, D.C. - The Philippine embassy and District VI of the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue, Inc. (FIND District VI) co-hosted the 2017 Merienda series with the theme “Sino ka? Sino Ako? Discovering your Identity” on 26 March 2017 at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. “we hope this year’s theme

gives you an opportunity to self-reflect, understanding that you cannot know where you are going until you know where you’ve been,” FIND District VI Co-Culture Chairs Angela Devanadera and Noel Alberto told the participants. Minister Patrick A. Chuasoto, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the embassy, delivered the keynote speech, acknowledging the struggle for identity of many young Filipino-Americans and encouraging them to embrace their mixed heritage. “The perennial challenge for any immigrant or offspring of immigrants is how to remain connected to their country of heritage and integrating this connection into their identity as Americans,” Minister Chuasoto said. “Filipinos have a definite advantage in this regard. we always find each other. we also find ways to be together wherever we are, may it be in our schools, workplace, neighborhoods, even in cyberspace. This sense of community is one of the many beautiful things that Filipinos own and can be proud of,” he noted. “Being of mixed heritage

is a big advantage. It gives you perspective and in a way, it makes you experience the best of both worlds,” Minister Chuasoto concluded. Leading the workshops of the 2017 Merienda were FilAm community leaders Ms. Linda Yangas, Mr. Sonny Busa, Mr. Marlan Maralit, and Mr. rexy Josh Dorado. Since the first Merienda in 2012, the series has served as one of the embassy’s avenues for youth engagement and established an environment for dialogue about current topics and issues relevant to the Filipino/Asian-American Community. “we hold Merienda as a yearly tradition because it is important that we remember, celebrate, and cherish those that had come before us, our history, and our culture,” said Pamela Taractecan and John Victoria, FIND District VI Co-Chairs. FIND, Inc. is a coalition of Filipino students that aims to offer channel for dialogue and action, promote and preserve Filipino culture, further awareness of issues pertinent to the Filipino community, and act as a catalyst to pool the efforts of Filipino organizations.

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.

Philippine Independence Day Parade New York Grand Marshals formally presented at gala

New York – The Grand Marshals for the 2017 Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York City were formally presented by the Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDCI) headed by its President Dr. Prospero A. Lim, at an event held on Saturday, March 25. This year’s Grand Marshals, husband and wife physician team Dr. rod Castillo and Dr. elma Castillo will lead the parade marchers in what is historically the largest Philippine Independence Day Parade outside of the Philippines. Held every first Sunday of June, the parade takes place along Madison Avenue in the heart of Midtown Manhattan and is seen by several thousand viewers from the FilipinoAmerican Community and the greater international community of New York City. Several hundred members of the Filipino- American take part as marchers or on board colorful floats all celebrating

Philippine culture, arts, heritage, and tourism. The Parade culminates in a Philippine Street Festival and Cultural Program held at Madison Park. At the Grand Marshal Gala held in New Jersey, Philippine Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega offered her congratulations to the new Grand Marshals and spoke of how the annual Parade is an opportunity to showcase the many contributions of Filipino migrants to the vitality, diversity, and innovativeness of New York and the rest of the world. She likewise invited the PIDCI members to help promote the Philippines by participating in the 2017 Ambassadors’ Tour The 2017 Grand Marshals are both attending pediatricians at the Hackensack United Medical Center in Palisades, North Bergen, New Jersey and at Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center in Secaucus, New Jersey. They

also co-own medical offices, Castillo and Castillo MD located in west New York and Secaucus, New Jersey. They likewise hold diplomates from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Both are active in other FilipinoAmerican Community organizations. Dr. rod Castillo hails originally from Batangas City, Philippines and is a graduate of the Far eastern University College of Medicine. He received his Pediatric residency training from Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. elma Castillo was born in Taal, Batangas and is also a medical graduate of Far eastern University. She likewise received her Pediatric residency training from Long Island College Hospital, Brooklyn. She was Chairperson of the Department of Pediatrics at the Hackensack UMC Palisades from 2004-2008 and a member of its Credentialing Committee.

Human Services Day event held at Philippine Center New York New York – The Filipino American Human Services, Inc. (FAHSI) in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General held a Human Services Day on March 25, 2017 at the kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in New York. FAHSI is a nonstock, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the social conditions and enhancing the self-reliance of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in New York City The day-long event featured two panels composed of resource persons from different Human Services agencies and organizations catering to underserved and underrepresented sectors in New York. The panelists composed of Margaret Abrams of the Anti-Domestic Violence and women’s Program group women rising; emily Task of College Access support group options Center; Veronica Lavarro of the Asian Health Center-Holy Name Hospital; Larinda Hooks of elmcore Youth and Adult Activities catering to seniors and young people; Therese rodriguez of APICHA Community Health Center which provides programs on Primary Care, LGBTQ issues, Safety Net Services; Mark Libatique of New York Immigration Coalition; Peter Gee of University Settlement; and Marian Guerra of the New American Leaders Project, all spoke of various services available to the community. The event also featured guest speaker Fran Barrett, InterAgency Coordinator for Not- for-Profit Services of the office of the New York Governor, who spoke of New York State support for nonprofits and their contribution to providing a wider range of services to the public. She also gave more details on the newlylaunched public-private initiative

L-R 1 row FAHSI Board Members Aleli Alvarez, Emerson Ea, Cora Custodio, Consul General Theresa Dizon – De Vega, FAHSI Board members Jaena Valles, Dr. Jean Lobell, Board Secretary Laura Lopez; 2nd Row Panelists Jo-Ann Yoo of the Asian American Federation, Peter Gee of University Settlement, Mark Libatique of New York Immigration Coalition, Therese Rodriguez of APICHA, Marian Guerra of New American Leaders Project, FAHSI Board Member Atty. Reuben Seguritan, FAHSI Vice Chair Joseph Barretto, FAHSI Chair Zultan Bermudez Photos by NYPCG

Panelists L-R Larinda Hooks of Elmcor Youth and Adult Activities, Veronica Lavarro of Asian Health Center-Holy Name Hospital, Emily Task of Options Center-Goddard Riverside, Margaret Abrams of Women Rising, Inc., and Fran Barrett the InterAgency Coordinator for Not-for-Profit Services of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Office

of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo called the Liberty Defense Project which aims to provide legal resources for immigrants in the state. Another guest speaker, Jo-Ann Yoo, executive Director of the Asian American Federation, spoke about the state of research on the social conditions of Asian- Americans and Filipino-Americans on a wide range of human services issues. The panelists responded to questions from attendees on how to access free Human Services as well as volunteering to take part in the different initiatives of the resource organizations. Atty. reuben Seguritan and Dr. Jean Lobell, Board members of FAHSI, spoke of the organization’s continued Audience members take part in the Open commitment to ensuring that Forum

the underserved sectors in the community such as the elderly, victims of domestic violence, youth, LGBTQ community, human trafficking victims, and undocumented migrants have access to available services. Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega acknowledged the work being undertaking by FAHSI and spoke of the importance of reaching out to underserved and underrepresented sectors, engendering a spirit of volunteerism in the community, and working together to realize a more just and humane society in keeping with the global sustainable development goals. Future information dissemination campaigns are being planned to reach out to larger numbers of the community on human services.

PIDCI honors 2017 Grand Marshals... From Page 4 Hospital in Brooklyn, NY from 1983 to 1985. Believing in the efficacy of power fusion, the enterprising but compassionate couple jointly established a medical corporation, Castillo and Castillo MD PA, located in West New York and Secaucus, NJ. She has admitting privileges at Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen, NJ and Meadowlands Hospital in Secaucus, NJ. Dr. Elma is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics and Fellow of the American Board of Pediatrics while simultaneously a member of various medical associations: the Philippine Medical Society of New Jersey, the Philippine Medical Association in America, the Philippine Pediatric Society in America, and the National and New Jersey Chapters of the Far Eastern University Alumni Medical Foundation. After being introduced by a common friend and became gradually closer after constantly seeing each other along the school corridors and campus quadrangle it took Doc Rod a mere year before he got her nod but took five years before they finally tied the knot. Initially married civilly on May 7, 1981 in Houston, Texas where his family was residing, they had their church wedding on June 4, 1983 at the St, John’s Catholic Church in Orange, New Jersey while simultaneously taking his residency at Long Island College Hospital from 1982-1986. Not only united in matrimony with a common dedication but as well as in extending help to the needy and generously sharing what they have been abundantly

conjunction with colonoscopy. Colorectal cancer is the thirdmost common cancer in humans, topped only by cancer of the lungs and female breasts. More than 150,000 people in the United States each year discover they have cancer of the colon or rectum, and approximately 46,000 will die from it this year alone. The incidence starts to rise at the age 40 and the peak is between ages 60 to 75. Colon cancer is more common among women and cancer of the rectum among men. About 5 percent of the patients have both (synchronous cancer). It appears that meat eaters have higher risk for the

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Rise and fall of Marcoses staged in hit musical ‘Here Lies Love’ Tickets now available, sponsors and community partners sought by organizers

2017 PIDCI Grand Marshal couple Drs. Rod & Elma Castillo

blessed with. Drs. Rod and Elma Castillo have been both very active with community works by giving medications and monetary fund to medical missions in the Philippines. They have also been supporting students pursuing their college education in their home country. A nurse who graduated in 2009 has Dr. Castillo and his wife to thank for while two former theology students who are now secular priests in Iloilo are equally full of gratitude to the medical couple with munificent hearts. Dr. Elma Castillo is currently affiliated with Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen and Meadowlands Medical Center in Secaucus, NJ while simultaneously conducting joint practice with husband Doc Rod in their West New York and Secaucus medical offices. Drs. Rod and Elma, justifiably recipients of Parents of the Year titles from PACCAL, Mayor Gonelli of Secaucus, New Jersey, and National Parents of the Year Organization in New York City are blessed with

Breast implant... From Page 5

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development of colorectal cancer. This malignancy is found more prevalent in populations whose diet is low in fiber and high in animal proteins, fats, and refined carbohydrates. The incidence of colorectal cancer is indeed high among those who eat red meat (pork, beef, etc) compared to those who eat high fiber diets (vegetables, fruits, wheat, bran, etc) and fish. The other predisposing factors include chronic ulcerative colitis, ganulomatous colitis, and familial polyposis. The older the person is, the higher the risk. Smoking and alcohol abuse increase the risk for cancer in general. Everyone 50 years old and

three equally successful children: Marianne, a medical doctor who is currently in Pediatric Residency training at the Albert Einstein Medical Center in NYC, Melissa, a Master of Biomedical Sciences, and Rodrigo, Jr., a graduate of Biomedical Engineering at NJIT in Newark, NJ. “I couldn’t be more pleased dealing with Drs. Rod and Elma… they were the best couple I worked with!” exclaimed the amiable Ollie C. David exhibiting her high admiration and esteem to the Grand Marshal couple. “This year’s Grand Marshal episode would indubitably go down in the annals of PIDCI history!” For a more vivid scenario of the recently celebrated PIDCI Grand Marshal Ball, feast on a bevy of photos as captured by skilled shutterbugs Yetbo LoveRita, Rolan Gutierrez, Nonoy Rafael and Troi Santos. For comments and suggestions, please email to: gemini0646@ yahoo.com older should have an annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT), a rectal digital exam, and a prophylactic colonoscopy every 3 to 5 years. Those with a strong family history of cancer should have the examinations more frequently in accordance with the physician’s determination. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

SEATTLE, WA - The public is invited to Seattle’s Philippine Soiree, a special cultural night presentation featuring Seattle Repertory Theatre’s production of the hit musical “Here Lies Love” on June 3, 5:30 p.m. at Seattle Repertory Theatre. The Soiree is presented by 3-time Tony and Grammy Award-winner Jhett Tolentino, in cooperation with FYLPRO. “Here Lies Love” tells the story of the eventful People Power Revolution in a dance party with techno beats and catchy tunes. The play follows the life of the controversial First Lady Imelda Marcos and the non-violent restoration of democracy in the Philippines that inspired the world. “We’re proud to bring you ‘Here Lies Love’ and call on all our kababayan, and the entire community to join us in this unique celebration of culture,” said Kit Zulueta, president of FYLPRO. “I especially encourage my fellow youth to attend and learn about a part of Philippine history that is relevant to who we are today as Filipinos.” An objective take on a controversial topic The show features a storyline with songs describing events that led to the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines in 1972, and the revolution in 1986. Past audiences and critics from the show’s successful runs in London and New York were left to draw their own conclusions based on unaltered facts documented and highly researched by the production creator. As the show doesn’t take a political slant, organizers agreed it was timely and perfect to bring awareness and encourage discussion about the significant events in Philippines’ history, especially to the youth. “It’s time for all Filipinos to

(L-R): Ninoy Aquino, President Ferdinand Marcos, First Lady Imelda Marcos

(L-R): Jaygee Macapugay (First Lady Imelda Marcos), Conrad Ricamora (Ninoy Aquino), Mark Bautista (President Ferdinand Marcos) and Jhett Tolentino

come together regardless of which side of Martial Law they were on.” Tolentino said. “I hope this show brings the healing we deserve and the strength to move forward towards unity.” The show’s concept and lyrics were conceptualized by Talking Heads’ David Byrne, music by Byrne and Fatboy Slim, and is directed by 2-time Tony nominee Alex Timbers. The phrase “Here Lies Love” was Imelda Marcos’ request to be inscribed on her tombstone. Soiree attendees enjoy perks Patrons will be treated to a post-show Meet-and-Greet and Q&A featuring the all-Filipino cast Jaygee Macapugay as First Lady Imelda Marcos, Conrad Ricamora as Ninoy Aquino, Mark Bautista as President Ferdinand Marcos and producer Jhett Tolentino. The Soiree also aims to bring the community together with a Sari-Sari marketplace showcasing our sponsors and Filipino products and vendors. A Salo-salo reception then follows to allow guests to network and delight in the

provided Filipino delicacies and refreshments. The benefit show supports Tolentino’s upcoming documentary “Life is What You Make It,” and FYLPRO, a nonprofit that helps develop next-generation leaders that have a passion for advancing the Philippines and the Filipino people. No seats: not your typical musical Seattle Repertory’s Bagley Wright Theatre transforms into a dance party, offering a unique 90minute experience that shouldn’t be missed. Those with tickets on the main floor will be standing, with the full experience of a concert. Main floor guests are advised to bring minimal items, like personal handbags and wear comfortable shoes and attire. There will be seating in the gallery and balcony for those interested, with some nontraditional theatre chairs. There will be no intermission during the show.

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