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Volume 10 – Issue 35 • 16 Pages
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Trump praises Duterte’s drug war, says Obama didn’t understand Leaked transcript reveals phone call between leaders by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
UNITED States President Donald Trump complimented Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for doing an “unbelievable” and “great” job on his campaign against illegal drugs, according to a leaked transcript of the two leaders’ phone conversation last month. The full transcript, which was first obtained by The Washington Post and The Intercept, apparently revealed the conversation between Duterte and Trump that occurred during the closing of the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Manila in April 29. In his previous phone conversation with his Philippines “I just wanted to congratulate you because counterpart, Pres. Donald Trump complimented Philippine I am hearing of the unbelievable job on the President Rodrigo Duterte for doing an “unbelievable” and drug problem,” Trump told Duterte during “great” job on his campaign against illegal drugs. White House photo
USA
Duterte considering nationwide martial law PH, Russia embark
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
by
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dealership in the United States.
Hirono, Hanabusa continue work to reunite Filipino World War II Veterans with their families
Inquirer.net photo by Mark Arvic Esplana
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on ‘new chapter’ DATELINE Fugitive Filipino ex-car of partnership D S dealer gets 10 years, $30-M fine for huge 1980s bank fraud LOS ANGELES - A Filipino who ran one of the largest automobile dealerships in the United States before fleeing the country 29 years ago was sentenced May 17 to 120 months in federal prison in a bank fraud scheme that caused more than $64 million in losses to banks, Eminiano “Jun” Reodica Jr. one of which col- once ran the third largest car
PRAYING FOR PEACE. Residents of Albay province join a candle-lighting ceremony at Redemptorist Church in Legazpi City to pray for peace amid the fighting in Marawi City and the declaration of martial law in Mindanao. Militant groups, including a group of former political detainees during martial law in the 1970s, are joining protest actions to express their opposition to President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law.
ANA IOSON AJPress
“RUSSIA is a true friend.” This is what Philippine President Rodrigo said upon his return to the country on Wednesday, May 24, from his official visit to Moscow. Duterte was originally scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Thursday May 25 but cut short his state visit after declaring martial law in Mindanao in the wake of a confrontation between government troops and Islamic State (IS)-linked local militants. Before leaving for the Philippines, Duterte, however, managed to have a short rendezvous with his “favorite hero” at the Kremlin. During the two leaders’ meeting, Duterte reiterated the Philippine government’s intention to strengthen its relationship with Russia. “Please consider us as a good friend. I came to visit your place and it’s to establish stronger bilateral relations. I [came] to seek your friendship and to trade, establish trade and commerce with your country,” Duterte told Putin. The Philippine leader also asked his Russian counterpart for a soft loan to procure military equipments. “I am sorry if I am in a hurry but I need to buy, if you can grant me a soft loan, we’ll [use]
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by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, May 24 warned that he might expand the implementation of martial law nationwide if threats from the the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group persists. In a press conference upon his arrival from Russia, Duterte initially hinted that he might extend the military rule in Visayas, and later, in Luzon. “I may decide to expand the area to include the Visayas because it is
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The clash reportedly erupted around 2 p.m. on the same day when the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted a joint operation in barangay Basak Malutlut to capture Isnilon Hapilon, who is believed to be the head of IS in Southeast Asia. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana identified the militants as members of the Maute group, which is believed to have pledged allegiance to IS in 2015. Lorenzana confirmed that the militants have occupied several estab-
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US senators urge Trump to delay Duterte invitation over drug war by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
TWELVE United States senators from the Democratic Party urged U.S. President Donald Trump to delay his invitation to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to visit the White House over the alleged human rights abuses in connection Philippine leader’s bloody campaign against illegal drugs. In a letter dated Wednesday, May 24, 2017, the senators said that inviting the firebrand Duterte to the White House while his “murderous campaign continues” could be interpreted as “an endorsement of his government’s gross hu-
man rights abuses.” “Such a perception would undermine efforts to restrain Duterte’s violent campaign, which would further call into question the legality and appropriateness of continued U.S. assistance to the Philippines’ law enforcement agencies and security forces,” they added. Duterte’s drug war has been in international news and gained continuous criticisms from rights group for its alleged spate of summary killings and human rights violations since he took presidency and launched the campaign in June last year. The decades-long relationship between the Philippines
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Pulitzer Prize-winning Fil-Am writer’s final story sparks international debate
After fighting side-by-side with American troops, aging veterans have waited decades to bring children to United States
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Representative Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii) introduced the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act today, Manny a bicameral Senator Pacquiao isbill now that the would expedite second billionaire in the current Senate the visa process for children of Filipino according to hisIIlatest statement of assets World War veterans.
just a walking distance actually. And because of the many islands, they can always escape there and begin another terroristic activity,” Duterte said. He went on to say, “If I think that the IS has already taken foothold also in Luzon, and terrorism is not really far behind, I might declare martial law throughout the country to protect the people.” On Tuesday evening, May 23, Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao in the wake of a confrontation between government troops and local militants in Marawi City.
“My Family’s Slave” by Alex Tizon shares one Filipino family’s relationship with domestic help by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA AJPress
Author and investigative journalist Alex Tizon. The magazine cover of The Atlantic’s June 2017 Image: Website/University of Oregon, School of issue with the controversial cover story “My Journalism and Communication Family’s Slave.”
WHEN The Atlantic published Alex Tizon’s “My Family’s Slave”, the deeply moving, personal story received international attention for capturing the life of a woman who loved and cared for him and his family. Tizon tells the story of Eudocia Tomas
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Pulido, whom he and his family called ‘Lola’ growing up. Pulido spent her whole adult life as the Tizon’s family’s “slave”, a woman who gave up her life to serve them. The author details his parents’ cruel treatment of the woman who essentially raised him and his four other siblings. He goes back and forth describing what he
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From the Front Page
Trump praises Duterte’s drug war... PAGE A1 t
FREEDOM FOR LEILA. Opposition congressmen led by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman greet journalists outside the Custodial Center of the Philippine National Police at Camp Crame in Quezon City, after visiting Sen. Leila de Lima, who is detained on what she describes as trumped-up illegal drug charges. In photo from (L-R) Capiz Rep. Emmanuel Billones, Northern Samar Rep. Raul Daza, Lagman, Ifugao Rep. Teodoro Baguilat, an unidentified aide, and Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan
Duterte considering nationwide...
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lishments in Marawi City, including Amai Pakpak Medical Center, Marawi’s city hall, and the city jail. He also confirmed reports that several other facilities, such as St. Mary’s Church, Ninoy Aquino School, and Dansalan College, were burned down by the Maute group. The developments prompted Duterte to cut his four-day official visit to Moscow short to personally oversee government operations. “The hardest thing to deal with would be the arrival of IS in our country and it has come to pass, that there is really war going on,” Duterte said. “Government must put an end to this. I cannot gamble with IS because they are everywhere and you know what is happening or you must be very aware of what is happening in the Middle East,” he added. Duterte warned that he will be “harsh” in the implementation of martial law, noting that it “will not be different” from the military rule imposed by late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. According to the president, the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus will be suspended under the martial law. The Chief Executive also warned: “Remember that this is not intended for the law-abiding
President Rodrigo Duterte stresses that those who sow terror will receive a harsh response during his speech upon arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 on Wednesday, May 24. Malacañang photo
citizens. We are the least of your worry. But if you confront government and my orders are one: to enforce the law. And anyone caught possessing a gun and confronting us with violence, my orders are shoot to kill.” He went on to say, “I will not hesitate to do it. My human rights is different. It is an institutional theory which we will reserve and observe.” “But anyone now holding a gun, confronting government with violence, my orders are spare no one. Let us solve the problem of Mindanao once and for all,” Duterte further added. Despite this, Duterte assured
that he will not tolerate abuses. “Congress is functioning. The courts are open for citizens to seek their grievance,” he said. While Malacañang initially announced that the military rule in Mindanao will last for only about 60 days, Duterte warned that it could be extended for a year. “How long? Well, if it would take a year to do it then we’ll do it. If it’s over in a month I’d be happy,” he said. In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) affirmed that the government is “in full control” of the crisis in Mindanao. The DFA stressed that it is “necessary” to declare martial law in Mindanao to “suppress lawless violence and rebellion and for public safety.” “The Philippine government is in full control, and fully aware that the Maute Group / ISIS groups have the capability (although limited) to disturb the peace; they have shown no hesitation in causing havoc, taking innocent lives and destroying property,” it said. Section 18, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution states that the president of the Philippines may place the country under martial law in case of invasion or rebellion for not exceeding than 60 days; and that the president may suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus within 48 hours from the proclamation of martial law. n
their conversation. He went on to say, “Many countries have the problem, we have a problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that.” In response, Duterte thanked Trump for his comment, adding, “This is the scourge of my nation now and I have to do something to preserve the Filipino nation.” Duterte’s drug war has been in international news and gained continuous criticisms from rights group for its alleged spate of summary killings and human rights violations since he took presidency and launched the campaign in June last year. The decades-long relationship between the Philippines and the United States also appeared to be strained due to drug war criticisms—with Duterte constantly bursting into profanity-laced comments against Washington for its supposed interference in the government’s crackdown on illegal drugs. Some analysts, however, claimed that Duterte began to soften his stance with the U.S. after Trump’s presidential victory. Trump assumed office earlier in January this year. During their phone conversation, Trump was quoted as saying
that unlike him, his predecessor, former President Barack Obama, did not understand the scale of drug problem in the Philippines. “I understand that and fully understand that and I think we had a previous President who did not understand that, but I understand that and we have spoken about this before,” Trump told Duterte. Trump also repeatedly invited Duterte in his office. “If you want to come to the Oval office, I will love to have you in Oval Office. Anytime you want to come,” the U.S. leader told Duterte. Trump further added, “I will be in the Philippines in November, but anytime if you are in [Washington] DC or anywhere, come see me in the Oval office… Work it out with your staff. Seriously, if you want to come over, just let us know.” The two leaders are expected to meet at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in November 2017. In the same conversation, both leaders tagged North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as a “madman.” “Every generation has a mad man — in our generation is Kim Jung Un — you are dealing with a very delicate problem,” Duterte said. Trump, at one point, also remarked, “We can’t let a madman with nuclear weapons on the loose
like that. We have a lot of firepower, more than he has, times 20 — but we don’t want to use it.” In the transcript, Trump asked Duterte his opinion whether the North Korean leader is “stable or not stable,” to which the latter replied: “He is not stable, Mr. President, as he keeps on smiling when he explodes a rocket.” The Philippine leader went on to say, “He (Kim Jung Un) is playing with his bombs, his toys and from the looks of it, his mind is not working well and he might just go crazy one moment.” Duterte also underscored China’s “important role” in intervening North Korea’s continuous nuclear activities in the Korean Peninsula that alarm its neighboring countries. Agreeing, Trump responded, “I hope China solves the problem. They really have the means because a great degree of their stuff come through China. They are doing certain things, like not accepting calls. But if China doesn’t do it, we will do it.” The White House has yet to issue statements in connection with the leaked transcript. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), on the other hand, refused to comment and instead appealed to the public for
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PH, Russia embark on ‘new chapter... PAGE A1 t the money and pay it right away because the arms that we ordered from America [were] cancelled,” Duterte said. Last year, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, threatened to oppose the arms deal between Manila and Washington amid concerns over the alleged human rights violations in connection with the Duterte administration’s bloody drug war. Prior to his departure on Monday, May 22, Duterte disclosed that he wanted to secure deals for Russian precision-guided bombs that could be used against IS-inspired terrorist groups during his visit. Although Putin did not immediately gave a specific response to Duterte’s request, the Russian
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President Rodrigo Duterte meets with Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow prior to his return to the Philippines on Wednesday, May 24. President Duterte on Tuesday, May 23 decided to skip his scheduled engagements and cut short his official visit to the Russian Federation immediately after declaring a state of Martial Law in Mindanao due to the terror crisis that gripped Marawi City. Malacañang photo
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Fugitive Filipino ex-car dealer... PAGE A1 t lapsed as a result of the losses suffered in the scam. United States District Judge S. James Otero sentenced , 72, saying the Reodica’s scheme to defraud “extremely serious” and caused “much disruption, much heartache” to “too many victims to count.” In addition to being sentenced to 10 years in prison, Reodica was ordered to pay $29.7 million restitution. Judge Otero said defendant preyed upon members of the Filipino community as well as numerous federally insured financial institutions in perpetrating the scam that resulted in total losses to both individuals and financial institutions of over $90 million. Reodica, fled the United States in 1988, but he has been in federal custody ever since he was arrested in late 2012 at Los Angeles International Airport during a layover while traveling from Australia to Canada. On the day before he was set to go on trial in October 2015, Reodica pleaded guilty to 26 counts of bank fraud and making false statements to financial institutions. From 1984 through 1988, the fraud scheme victimized at least five banks – Union Bank, First Los Angeles Bank, Manilabank, First Central Bank
and Imperial Savings. “The scale of the fraud is virtually unparalleled,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memorandum. “Notably, Imperial subsequently failed and went into receivership with the FDIC based on the losses sustained as the result of defendant’s fraud.” Reodica was the president of the Glendora-based Grand Wilshire Group (GWG) of Companies, which operated about two dozen car dealerships, including Grand Chevrolet in Glendora. “Over time, GWG became the second-largest Chevrolet dealership in the United States and the third largest car dealership in the United States,” prosecutors wrote in court documents. “Due to the apparent success of GWG, [then-California] Governor [George] Deukmejian appointed defendant to the board of the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and later ousted him from the board when his fraud was discovered.” GWG had credit agreements with the victim financial institutions under which GWG pledged car contracts as collateral on lines of credit. The agreements required GWG to collect car loan payments from its customers and provide those funds to the financial institutions. Reodica admitted that he would
Hirono, Hanabusa continue work... PAGE A1 t “When called to serve, Filipino World War II veterans fought and sacrificed alongside American servicemen,” said Senator Hirono. “However, as a result of our country’s antiquated immigration system, these brave soldiers have been waiting more than a half century to be reunited with their loved ones. While the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole program provides temporarily relief for Filipino World War II veterans and their children, this bill codifies our nation’s promise to reunite these families.” “Filipino World War II veterans deserve to be reunited with their families in the country they served,” said Representative Hanabusa. “It’s time for Congress to put families before bureaucracy. Congress must remove the artificial barriers to immigrant visas contained in the current law and bring the families of our veterans together now.” Senators Dianne Feinstein (DCalif.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Representatives Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), Al Green (D-Texas), Gene Green (DTexas), Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.), Scott Peters (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (DCalif.), Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Darren Soto (D-Fla.), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), and Juan Vargas (D-Calif.) are cosponsors of the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act. “Our country will forever be indebted to the Filipino veterans who fought bravely alongside American troops during World War II,” said Senator Feinstein. “Reuniting these veterans with their families is just small token of the enormous gratitude we owe for their service.”
“I’m honored to represent the vibrant Filipino American communities of Virginia, including those who fought bravely alongside Americans during World War II,” said Senator Kaine. “An outdated immigration system has kept these veterans separated from their families, who remain overseas. Their reunion is even more important because of the veterans’ advanced age and healthcare needs. This bill builds on the progress we made last year by expediting the visa process for children of Filipino World War II veterans. I’m proud to stand alongside Senator Hirono once again in this just cause.” “It is unjust that Filipino World War II veterans have to wait for decades just to see their families again,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Our aging veterans need the company and care of their loved ones, and it’s only right that we honor their service and sacrifice by extending the benefits that Filipino vets received to their children. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation that will permanently fix outdated policies that have delayed the reunification of veterans and their families.” “Filipino World War II veterans in Hawaii and across the country have been waiting to be reunited with their families for decades,” said Senator Schatz. “For these aging veterans who are now in their 90s, time is running out. It’s time to finally do the right thing, honor our promise to these veterans, and reunite them with their loved ones.” In 1990, the United States granted Filipino veterans citizenship in recognition of their service to the United States during World War II. Their children, however, were not granted citizenship. Currently, veterans must file for a family visa to be reunited with their children in
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US senators urge Trump... PAGE A1 t and the United States also appeared to be strained due to drug war criticisms—with Duterte’s constantly bursting profanities against Washington for its supposed interference in the government’s crackdown on illegal drugs. In the letter, senators cited the supposed 8,000 death toll in connection with the drug war. The Duterte administration, however, repeatedly refuted claims that the killings are statesanctioned. It argued that there are only about 2,500 deaths from “presumed legitimate law enforcement operations,” usually when suspects tried to fight back against the police. Among those who signed the letter were Senators Edward Markey, Tim Kane, Sherrod Brown Ron Wyden, Benjamin Cardin, Jeffrey Merkley, Cory Booker, Richard Durbin, Chris Van Hollen, Al Franken, Amy Klobuchar, and Kirsten Gillibrand. “We urge you to delay your invitation to the White House to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte until there are major improvements in his government’s human rights records,” the letter read. While maintaining that the Philippines remains a vital U.S. ally, the senators expressed concern that hosting Duterte at the White House while his campaign of “mass atrocities” continue would send the “wrong message” that the U.S. is supporting human rights violations in the Philippines.
They accused that Duterte, under the guise of drug war, “has presided over a brutal campaign of extrajudicial murders that has resulted in the deaths of thousands of drug users and low level drug dealers.” Stressing that “extrajudicial killings are not a form of justice,” they insisted that Duterte “must stop” his “campaign of murder” and instead “adopt a comprehensive public health approach to drug addiction that centers on treatment.” “The United States, for its part, should stand ready to provide assistance and partnership for the development and implementation of these programs,” they said. The senators’ letter came a day after a “leaked” transcript revealed the conversation between Duterte and Trump that occurred during the closing of the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Manila in April 29. The transcript apparently showed that Trump repeatedly invited Duterte in his office. “If you want to come to the Oval office, I will love to have you in Oval Office. Anytime you want to come,” the U.S. leader told Duterte. Trump further added, “I will be in the Philippines in November, but anytime if you are in [Washington] DC or anywhere, come see me in the Oval office… Work it out with your staff. Seriously, if you want to come over, just let us know.”
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From the Front Page promise the same car contract as collateral to two different banks at the same time. In order to accomplish this part of his scheme, Reodica directed employees to forge customer signatures on car contracts that were then promised to a second bank. As another part of his scheme, Reodica also repossessed and resold cars without telling the banks. Reodica also admitted concealing from the banks that customers were delinquent on their car loans. In some cases, when the overall delinquency rate exceeded a level acceptable to a bank, Reodica used GWG funds to make car payments, which allowed him to continue using those delinquent contracts as collateral. Reodica also made his employees sign for car loans for cars that they were not really buying so that Reodica could increase the lines of credit he obtained from the banks. As a result of Reodica’s fraud scheme, the Grand Wilshire Group and Grand Chevrolet collapsed into bankruptcy in August 1988, which is when Reodica fled to his native Philippines. When special agents with the FBI arrested him at LAX in November 2012, Reodica was traveling under an Australian passport in the name of “Roberto Coscolluela.” While living in Australia under the name of Coscolluela, he ran a tax preparation and insurance business. Reodica’s activities in these businesses have resulted in allegations of a $7 million fraud in Australia causing him to be dubbed “Brisbane’s Bernie Madoff,” according to government sentencing papers. (Inquirer.net)
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 26-JUNE 2, 2017
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PEACE MURALS. An employee walks on a corridor where peace murals are displayed at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). The murals that depict the agenda for change were installed at the DAR in support of the peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez
Trump praises Duterte’s drug war...
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a “sense of responsibility and patriotism.” “Under Philippine law, there is criminal and civil liability attached to the hacking, unauthorized disclosure and use of illegally or inadvertently-obtained confidential government documents,” the DFA said in a statement. “While we value the need for transparency and the people’s right to information, release of certain pieces of information, whether accurate or inaccurate, can af-
fect national security and regional peace and stability,” it added. “As such, we appeal to the sense of responsibility and patriotism of all concerned.” The DFA also affirmed that Duterte and Trump “have a good and warm working relationship,” expressing confidence that “it will continue to be nurtured towards a positive direction for the benefit of the longstanding partnership.” It also reiterated the Philippine government’s “support for the de-
nuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and encourage the parties to continuously engage in peaceful dialogue.” A New York Times report claims that a certain senior administration official in Washington confirmed that the transcript was an “accurate representation of the call” between the two leaders. Most of what the two presidents discussed, however, were already openly disclosed by the Philippine leader in his previous interviews and speeches. n
A MAY 26-june 2, 2017 • neW YORK AnD neW jeRSeY ASIAn jOuRnAL
Mariners’ Day Event at the Philippine Center, New York In observance of the US Maritime Day, the Philippine Consulate General in new York hosted on Monday, May 22 a “Mariners’ Day Forum” at the Philippine Center with the Seamen’s Church Institute of the Port of new York and new Jersey. A briefing was conducted by Mr. Stephen Lyman, Director of International Seafarers’ Center of The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI); Rev. James Kollin, the Filipino Chaplain of SCI; and Ms. naomi Walker, also of SCI. The event was attended by the officers and staff of the Consulate and the Fil-Am community leaders in new York and new Jersey. According to Director Lyman, Maritime Day is a day to pay special tribute to the merchant mariners and to the benefits that the maritime industry provides to the country. On law and advocacy, Director Lyman mentioned that, over the years, SCI has helped pass important pieces of legislation to ensure safety in the maritime workplace and the fair treatment of mariners. SCI also provides legal counselling, assistance and referrals to mariners and to seafarers’ welfare agencies around the globe. On maritime education, SCI has empowered mariners with valuable training and it continues to train mariners at its specialized Center for Maritime Education. On pastoral care, Rev. Kollin explained SCI’s role in providing the mariner a place to feel at home aware that life at sea has always been challenging in ways unknown to land-dwellers, and all intensified by long separation from family and friends. During the forum, Fil-Am com-
saw growing up and taking Pulido’s ashes back to her birthplace, Mayantoc, Philippines. Throughout the piece, Tizon describes the guilt and shame he carried his whole life for not stopping his parents’ treatment of Pulido, which greatly affected his growth from child to adult. “To our American neighbors, we were model immigrants, a poster family. They told us so,” Tizon writes. “My father had a law degree, my mother was on her way to becoming a doctor, and my siblings and I got good grades and always said “please” and “thank you.” We never talked about Lola.
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Hepatitis B Foundation launches Hep B Cure Campaign for increased NIH funding Unveils a roadmap for a cure to conquer Hepatitis B
SCI’s brochures, leaflets & information materials
DCG Carino (center) welcomes Ms. Walker, Dir. Lyman, Rev. Kollin & FilCom leaders
Dir. Lyman’s briefing on SCI’s functions & advocacies
munity leaders expressed their the latter provided a template for desire to join in the volunteer knitting clothing articles for the knitting program of SCI where harsh weather at sea. n
Pulitzer Prize-winning Fil-Am... PAGE A1 t
Dateline USa
cades of abuse she endured, but rather celebrating the qualities that made her his “Lola.” “Growing up with Lola taught Our secret went to the core of who we were and, at least for us kids, me that not calling attention to yourself was a perfectly fine and who we wanted to be.” “My Family’s Slave” marks the honorable way to live. She was last published story by Tizon, who never angst-ridden and never felt passed away at the age of 57 last entitled to anything, including hapMarch from natural causes. Ac- piness. I think that’s one reason cording to Tizon’s wife, Melissa she was one of the most peaceful Quiason, “My Family’s Slave” took people I’ve ever known,” he said. The story struck a chord with the seasoned journalist six wearisome years to make, but was a many Filipino readers, who are familiar with the family-domestic story he was determined to tell. “This was his ultimate story,” help dynamic, but it also received Quiason said, as quoted by In- backlash from readers who were shocked at the treatment of Puquirer. Pulido died from a heart attack lido. Furthermore, many readers in 2011 at the age of 86. Tizon is were outraged at Tizon’s lack of quoted in her obituary in the Se- intervention on the abuse inflicted attle Times, not detailing the deu PAGE A7
DOYLESTOWn, PA – On Wednesday, May 24, the Hepatitis B Foundation launched its national Hep B Cure Campaign, which featured a consensus research agenda that outlines top scientists’ priority research recommendations for hepatitis B and liver cancer. The cure research agenda was highlighted at a Congressional Briefing, hosted by the foundation in collaboration with the Congressional Hepatitis Caucus, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA), and with the support of the national Viral Hepatitis Roundtable and AAPCHO. The cornerstone of the Hep B Cure Campaign is a consensus research agenda that is contained in reports developed by the Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF), which convened a virtual workshop with more than 30 of the world’s leading scientists to determine what research is needed to find a cure for hepatitis B. The two reports, “A Roadmap for a Cure: Priority Areas for Chronic Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer Research” and “A Research Agenda for Curing Hepatitis B Infection,” identify specific research projects in virology, immunology, and liver cancer, as well as strategies for expanding clinical research for therapeutic drug testing. Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-nY) gave a keynote address at the Congressional Briefing. “With over 40 percent of my constituents being Asian Americans, hepatitis B is a priority health issue since it disproportionately impacts these communities,” said Meng. “This new roadmap for a cure is very exciting and reflects an increasing optimism among the scientific community that a cure for hepatitis B is within reach.” Congressmen Charles Dent (R-PA) and Brian
Fitzpatrick (R-PA) also participated in the briefing, demonstrating the bi-partisan nature of national concern for hepatitis B. In addition, John Ward, M.D., director of the Viral Hepatitis Division at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, spoke about the growing urgency and opportunity for the discovery and development of curative therapies for hepatitis B. He cited the recent reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. national Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (nASEM) declaring that with appropriate action, the elimination of hepatitis B is now possible. “The time is right for an aggressive and vigorous research campaign to find a cure for hepatitis B because it is a silent but deadly epidemic in the U.S. and worldwide that must be stopped, and with the recent advances in technology, it is a winnable battle,” said Timothy Block, Ph.D., president and cofounder of the Hepatitis B Foundation and its research affiliate, the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute. Globally, more than 250 million individuals live with chronic hepatitis B infection, which contributes to nearly 800,000 deaths each year, primarily from liver cancer—the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. In the United States alone, an estimated 2 million Americans are chronically infected with hepatitis B, and liver cancer is not only one of the nation’s deadliest cancers, but also the only cancer with rising rates of both incidence and mortality among men and women. Despite the magnitude of hepatitis B, the national Institutes of Health (nIH) funding for hepatitis B is only $49 million per year and has declined almost 16% since 2012. An estimated doubling of current nIH research funding for hepatitis B and liver cancer
US senators urge Trump... PAGE A3 t Trump also complemented Duterte for doing an “unbelievable” and “great” job on his campaign against illegal drugs, which is notably a complete opposite stance from his predecessor, former U.S. president Barack Obama. “I just wanted to congratulate
you because I am hearing of the unbelievable job on the drug problem,” Trump told Duterte during their conversation. “Many countries have the problem, we have a problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that.” In response, Duterte thanked Trump for his comment, adding,
are needed to adequately fund the priority projects identified in HBF’s cure research agenda. By applying these scientific projects to existing nIH research funding mechanisms, a “professional judgment budget” was developed, documenting the need for an additional $232 million through 2023 to achieve a cure for hepatitis B. The Hep B Cure Campaign is calling for increased federal investment to accelerate the pace of research for a cure, which will also significantly improve health and economic outcomes. As part of the campaign, members of Congress and the scientific leadership at the nIH were briefed by the HBF on the details of the cure research agenda, and hepatitis B advocates were being mobilized to visit legislators in Washington, D.C. in July to commemorate World Hepatitis Day, as well as schedule meetings with Congressional representatives in their home districts. “Increased advocacy is necessary to focus national attention on the urgent need for hepatitis B research, with priority given to finding a cure, if we hope to eliminate hepatitis B,” said Chari Cohen, DrPH, MPH, director of Public Health of the Hepatitis B Foundation. “Together with an already effective vaccine, a cure for hepatitis B would truly make hepatitis B history.” About the Hepatitis B Foundation: The Hepatitis B Foundation is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure for hepatitis B and improving the quality of life for those affected worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. To learn more, visit www.hepb.org, read our blog at hepb.org/blog, follow us on Twitter @HepBFoundation, find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ hepbfoundation or call 215-4894900. n “This is the scourge of my nation now and I have to do something to preserve the Filipino nation.” Most of what the two presidents discussed, however, were already openly disclosed by the Philippine leader in his previous interviews and speeches. While there’s is no confirmation yet about Duterte’s visit to the White House, the two leaders are expected to meet at the upcoming ASEAn Summit in november 2017, hosted by the Philippines. n
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Dateline PhiliPPines
A
Ex-DFA chief urges filing of protest, US joint patrols to counter China war threat by Dana
SioSon AJPress
THE Duterte administration should immediately prepare for a so-called “dual response” to counter China’s supposed recent war threat, former Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario said on Monday, May 22. Last week, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte bared that Chinese President Xi Jinping had threatened war if Manila insists on its plan to conduct a Reed Bank oil exploration and “forces the issue” of last year’s arbitral ruling. The Reed Bank, also called “Recto Bank,” is internationally recognized as part of the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and is located in the South China Sea. China, however, claims it as part of its territory. Last July, an arbitral tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, finding that China’s historic nine-dash line, which claimed almost all the South China Sea, has no historic and legal basis. In a recent speech, Duterte recalled telling Xi during their meeting in Beijing: “We intend to drill oil there, if it’s yours, well, that’s your view, but my view is, I can drill the oil, if there is some inside the bowels of the earth because it is ours.” “His response to me, ‘we’re friends, we don’t want to quarrel with you, we want to maintain the presence of warm relationship, but if you force the issue, we’ll go to war,” the president added. Following Duterte’s statements, Del Rosario urged Manila to respond to Beijing’s alleged threat of war by heeding the advice of Philippine Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio to file a protest before the United Nations (UN). “We can expect that the responsible community of nations would be supportive of such a diplomatic action by the Philippine government,” Del Rosario said, stressing that that the use and threats of force are “serious
Former Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario
violations” of the UN Charter and that the protest is in the Philippines’ “national interest.” As part of the “dual response,” Del Rosario also urged the government to revisit the joint patrolling of the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) with the United States and other allies. The former top diplomat called on Manila to “pursue a defensive posture” by revisiting the joint patrol strategy of the West Philippine Sea. He also added that joint patrols with U.S. troops would “effectively posture” Manila’s “security guarantee agreement,” highlighting the two countries’ treaty alliance. “The joint patrol of our EEZ with the U.S. and possibly other partners would be a combined strategic and tactical move for the Philippine government in defending our national interest and territorial integrity,” Del Rosario said. On the other hand, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Alan Peter Cayetano refused to confirm or deny reports of China’s alleged war threat. “It is but natural when you talk about peace and when you talk about conflict the word war may come up, may or may not come up, so I’m not confirming or denying,” Cayetano said in a media briefing. While refusing to provide more details about the exchange, he affirmed that there “there was no language or even tone that would lead any of the two presidents to believe that there was disrespect for them, or their country.”
The top diplomat also insisted that the word “war” should be put into context, remarking that the talk’s “focus is on avoiding war as opposed to conflict.” Likewise, Cayetano affirmed Duterte’s commitment to asserting the country’s territory. “He (Duterte) has told us many many times that he is committed to protecting our territorial integrity. He will protect every single inch of our territory but trust him on how he will do it, how he will approach it and the strategy,” Cayetano said. Benham Rise renamed In an apparent bid to assert the country’s territorial claims, Duterte recently signed an executive order (EO) that officially renamed Benham Rise to “Philippine Rise.” “All departments, subdivisions, agencies, and instrumentalities of the government shall henceforth use and employ the name ‘Philippine Rise’ in all official documents in referring to the undersea feature,” EO 25 read. Last month, Duterte revealed his plans to rename the area amid reports that Chinese ships were spotted near it. Located along the Pacific Ocean 250 kilometers (155 miles) east of Isabela, the Philippine Rise is believed to be rich in mineral and gas deposits with Manila as its only claimant. The UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf in 2012 approved the submission of Manila in 2009, acknowledging that the region falls within the continental shelf of the Philippines. n
DISTRACTING? An image of Jesus Christ hangs under the rear-view mirror of a taxi cab in Manila on Monday, May 22. Motorists are up in arms over new rules banning any object on the dashboard or windshield, such as religious icons. Some senators called on the Department of Transportation (DoTr) to temporarily suspend the enforcement of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act until its officials address the confusion among motorists. ManilaTimes.net photo
Hirono, Hanabusa continue work... PAGE A3 t the United States. Because of an antiquated immigration system with limited numbers of family visas available each year, it can take more than 20 years for these applications to be reviewed. The Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act exempts the veterans’ children, approximately 20,000 individuals, from the numerical limitation on immigrant visas. “We sincerely thank Senator Mazie Hirono for reintroducing legislation that would allow Filipino World War II veterans to be reunited with their family members after many long-awaited years. Filipino World War II veterans served our nation with courage, dignity and strength, and we must continue to recognize and honor that sacrifice,” said Chris Kang, National Director of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans. “It is critical that we continue to honor the service and sacrifice of our Filipino World War II veterans,” said Brendan Flores, National Chairman of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations. “We thank Senator Hirono for her leadership reintroducing the Filipino Veterans
Family Reunification Act, and look forward to working with other Members of Congress to pass this important legislation. Time is running out, and we must do everything we can to expedite the process of our veterans reuniting with their children.” “Filipino World War II veterans have served this country with distinction and waited far too long – decades in most cases – to be reunited with their family members,” said John C. Yang, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC. “We applaud and support this effort to remove any further barriers that keep the families separated from these military heroes.” In 2016, after years of advocacy by Senator Hirono, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services began implementation of the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole (FWVP) program to reunite veterans and their surviving spouses with adult children and certain other relatives. However, the program is limited and provides no guarantee that these veterans will be reunited with their loved ones. The Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act provides a permanent solu-
tion, amending the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt from global limits the sons and daughters of Filipino World War II veterans who were naturalized under the 1990 law or other specified laws. Senator Hirono has made fighting for Filipino veterans a top priority during her time in Congress, as the need to reunite these aging veterans with their loved ones grows more urgent every year. Currently, there are fewer than 6,000 Filipino World War II veterans residing in the United States who would be able to take advantage of the benefits bestowed by the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act to be reunited with their loved ones. In 2013, Senator Hirono and Representative Hanabusa reintroduced the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act, which was later included as an amendment in the bipartisan comprehensive immigration bill that passed the Senate (S. 744). However, the House failed to consider the bill. In 2016, Senator Hirono led the successful effort to enact the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, which awards Filipino World War II veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their dedicated service to the United States. n
A6 MAY 26-JUNE 2, 2017 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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FEATURES
OPINION
High alert
THE Philippines extends its condolences to the victims’ families and voiced solidarity with Britain in the fight against extremism following the deadly terror attack in Manchester, United Kingdom that left 22 people—including children—dead and 50 injured. “We are in solidarity with the United Kingdom in addressing and combating violent extremism,” Philippine Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said. A suicide bomber reportedly carried out the attack as fans were streaming out of Manchester Arena after American pop singer Ariana Grande’s concert on Monday, May 22. In Manila, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is closely coordinating with organizers of the concert tour of Grande set on August 21 at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City. While there is no specific terror threat for the pop star’s Manila stop, the PNP is initiating involvement in the event’s security so that appropriate security arrangements and assistance can be extended to ensure the safety of concertgoers. Meanwhile on Tuesday, May 23, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, who’s in Moscow for a four-day state visit to Russia, cut his trip short after declaring martial law in Mindanao. The decision came amidst attacks perpetrated by Islamic State (IS)-backed Maute group in Marawi City. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana reported that government forces clashed with Maute fighters in Marawi City. The fighting left two policemen and a soldier dead and injured several others, ac-
cording to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. The siege reportedly began hen police and troops raided a house where Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group and the subject of a U.S. State Department bounty of $5 million, was believed to be hiding. Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano will stay behind in Russia to sign several agreements. The Philippine government has valiantly dealt with armed conflicts since the 1960s. While it succeeded in diminishing the numbers of these groups, coercion continues to this day. Major fronts have long fought for communist insurgency in the Mindanao region, leaving national reconciliation as still an ultimate goal for its government. The prevailing discord in Mindanao stems from what Moros believe as historical and continuing injustice committed against them, resulting in a majority-minority relationship that manifests itself in underdevelopment and dispossession in Muslim areas. While there is a lack of a comprehensive data on the total number of people affected and resources lost or destroyed as a result of these conflicts, reported estimates have been disturbing. Aside from being saddled with armed internal security threats,
Editorial
restoring peace in the country—especially in Mindanao—is also hampered by apparent economic and social problems. In this ever-changing and turbulent world, it’s easier for some people to aggregate power, to instigate war than to commit to peace and compromise. People behind such terror attacks must be reminded that it took millions of lives, thousands of years and
Philstar.com photo
hundreds of wars to achieve global order. Peace may be attained when there is cultural integrity, respect for differences, protection of human rights, good governance, sustainable development and delivery of basic social services. The list may still go on, and these measures will require more than just valiant efforts from the government and its people. (AJPress)
Rediscovering and strengthening our faith through the Marian Shrine Pilgrimage Tour I WAS out of the country for close to a The Fil-Am month to join my husband as he fulfilled a Perspective promise: to take his parents to the faith-based Marian Pilgrimage Tour in Europe. This GEL SANTOS-RELOS was my husband’s way of honoring his parents who are celebrating their birthdays this May as octogenarians. They have devoted their lives to serving the church back in the Philippines since their retirement. The pilgrimage tour would be the perfect gift to his parents. Through the help of my dear friend Mr. Johnny Francisco of Mango Tours, we joined the pilgrimage tour. This pilgrimage has been very significant this year as the Catholic Christians celebrate the 100th year of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s apparition in Fatima, Portugal. Being part of the tour group has eased up all the concerns and stresses that go with preparing for all the details of our trip’s itinerary, especially when you are traveling with seniors. There were about 45 of us in the group that met up in Lisbon, Portugal. Lo, and behold! More than a third of the group were Filipinos — and as our tour director said, indeed, Filipinos are among the top travelers on faith-based tours. In fact, many Filipinos would choose to go to
Rome, the Holy Land, Fatima, Lourdes, etc if they could only travel abroad once in their life — a testament to the commitment of our kababayans to grow in faith and devotion to God. Aboard an air-conditioned coach with picture windows, WiFi and USB charger in every seat, our 12-day sojourn took us to Portugal, France and Spain where we visited Marian shrines, places of worship, churches, pilgrimage destinations and had good city and cultural tours of the places we visited. My husband and I extended our trip to take my in-laws visit the Vatican and see Pope Francis in person in Rome. After visits to churches in Lisbon, we headed north and made a quick stop to Santarem, Portugal to visit the Church of the Eucharistic Holy Miracle. In the evening, we arrived in Fatima, where we stayed for two nights. We visited the shrine made famous by the Virgin Mary’s appearance in 1917 to three shepherd children, which culminated in the revelation of the Three Secrets of Fatima. We joined pilgrims from different parts of the world for Rosary and candlelight procession at the Our Lady of Fatima Basilica.
After Fatima, we had a short stop in Braga, described as one of the oldest Christian cities in the world, and nicknamed “Portuguese Rome.” We visited the Bom Jesus Do Monte Sanctuary, an important pilgrimage site where many devout Catholics have reportedly walked the “Stations of the Cross” for purposes of reflection and penance since 1811. From Braga, we headed North to Santiago de Compostela, which we learned to be one of the top pilgrimage destinations since the Middle Ages. Pilgrims come from different parts of the world and take different routes starting from France, Madrid, Portugal, etc., doing the Camino walk, which may take up to three weeks, with all routes leading to St. James Cathedral. We attended the Pilgrims Mass in the Cathedral, which houses the remains of the apostle St. James beneath the High Altar. The highlight for me was the famous Botafumeiro — the giant swinging metal thurible that burns incense to bless the pilgrims. After our two-night stop in Santiago de Compostela and having watched “The Way” on the bus—the movie was written and directed by Emilio Esteves, starring his father Martin Sheen about a father’s pilgrimage in the “Camino de Santiago— I vowed to walk this pilgrimage with my husband in the near future. We made a one night stop in Burgos,
the historic capital of Old Castille. We visited, prayed, and had mass at the magnificent Burgos Cathedral. En route to Lourdes, France we passed by the beautiful landscape of Northern Spain, including the alps of the south— the Pyrenees Mountains. We stopped in Cabreira, a medieval town on top of a mountain and it snowed in April! The old church and the quaint town was like frozen in time. Thereafter we visited the 17th-century Sanctuary of Loyola, built in honor of San Ignacio de Loyola, founder of the Jesuit religious order. St. Ignatius was born to a rich and noble family and was a knight himself. His near-death experience made him give up his knight’s sword and lavish lifestyle, and embarked on a pilgrimage himself and offered his life in service to God. Our next stop was Lourdes in France where we stayed for two nights. Lourdes is another popular pilgrimage site for Catholics because this was where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette. We went to mass, joined the nightly Rosary and procession, and prayed in the famous Grotto, where the holy water springs from the mountain. It was a very touching and uplifting experience. We also visited the birthplace and home of St. Bernadette. En route back to Spain, we made a stop in Carcassonne, near the France-Pain
border. The Fortified Citadel brought us back to the Middle Ages with all the ramparts, castle walls and drawbridges. Oh, how we enjoyed traditional French food for lunch al fresco in the courtyard! The last leg of the tour was Barcelona, Spain where we stayed for three nights. We enjoyed the city tour, visited Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, and went up to the pilgrimage site of Montserrat, situated more than 4000 feet above sea level in a picturesque mountain range, said to be composed of striking pink conglomerate sedimentary rocks. Montserrat is the site of the Benedictine Abbey that hosts the Black Virgin. This place is a beautiful serene place where pilgrims walk to, pray, hear mass, reflect. (Montserrat was St. Ignatius’ pilgrimage destination) After our Marian Shrine Pilgrimage tour and the side trip to Rome, I thought we gave a gift to my in-laws. It turned out that in doing so, we also gave a gift to ourselves because of how we have grown in faith, love and dedication to God. I pray you will be blessed with the same experience too. God be with us all. *** 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
Rejection of EU grants with conditions a historic break from the past
Commentary
RIGOBERTO D. TIGLAO TO understand quickly what the issue is about the Duterte government’s move to reject European Union (EU) grants that are laden with conditions, which would allow it to interfere with our sovereignty, here’s an analogy. (Note: the rejection currently involves grants only, not loans.) A tycoon’s philanthropic (of course tax-deductible) foundation offers you a grant of P50,000 (yes, that small, which is proportionate to the amount of EU grants to the size of our economy) which you are told you can use to renovate your house. [deleted Lucio Co— too distracting] However, the tycoon’s bureaucrat handling the grant tells you that if you accept the money, he can come into your house anytime and lecture you how to run your household which you must accept and implement. Would you accept the grant? I don’t think so. Unless you’re so poor P50,000 is a boon. But then you wouldn’t have a house to renovate. In the case of EU grants, these
have had provisions, which past regimes ignored: ‘The [European] Commission may suspend this financing agreement if the beneficiary breaches an obligation relating to respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law, and in serious cases of corruption.” While that may seem innocuous, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez to his credit interpreted this, correctly I think, to be interference in our Republic’s domestic affairs, an intrusion into our very sovereignty. What criteria, or what body would determine, that the country has no respect for human rights? The quantity of Western media and Human RightsWatch reports alleging human rights violations? Claims by the UN special rapporteur on extra-judicial killings such as Agnes Callamard? Would the EU one day decide that capital punishment is a violation of human rights? Would it pontificate that abortion at all stages of a fetus’ life is the human right of a woman? What criteria would it use to judge an instance as a “serious case of corruption”? In default “If the EU believes that the claims on human rights violations
by this administration’s critics are true, then effectively, we will already be in default under the agreement,”a ranking finance department official explained. “A default on such a basis could further create unnecessary political noise and affect investor sentiment and overall confidence in our government,” he pointed out. He added: “This EU-specific provision is unusual in our grant documentations. Other donor countries and institutions do not have such provisions in their grants.” Duterte’s critics, and especially the Yellow Cult, would almost certainly claim this administration simply has become too defensive or sensitive over human rights criticisms in the wake of his war against illegal drugs. Still though, the inappropriateness of such EU grant conditions could be emphasized using a different analogy. If you applied to borrow money from a bank to buy a car, would you agree to a loan condition that it is suspended if ever you’re issued a traffic ticket? However, there is a far-reaching aspect to the Duterte administration’s junking of such EU grants, that make the 250 million euros in EU grants we will be giving up worth the cost.
From the perspective of our country’s modern history, the Duterte administration’s move to reject EU grants that are laden with conditions that interfere with our sovereignty is a historic break from our sorry past, and a strengthening our sovereignty. Biggest ever grant Right at the emergence of an independent Philippines was the biggest ever grant by a foreign nation to our country, which however carried one of the the worst conditions ever imposed on a sovereign republic. This was through the infamous Bell Trade Act passed by the US Congress on July 2, 1946, two days after the Americans let us be an independent state. As a condition for the $800 million grant we needed to rehabilitate our war-ravaged economy, the US required us, using the euphemism “parity rights,” to amend our Constitution to allow US companies to own public utilities and to exploit our natural resources as well as to take in American products duty-free While most of our pro-American elite—the same crowd who are aghast over Duterte’s move on the EU grants—still find nothing wrong with the Bell Trade Act, it opened up our young economy
to powerful US monopoly capitalists that dominated our consumer industries, stunting the development of local industries and pillaging our natural resources. A still-to-be-written economic history is the huge contribution of US mining companies to building up Fort Knox’s inventory of gold by mining and shipping out all of the gold in our country. The Philippine elite—except for a few nationalist industrialists— profited immensely from their collaboration with US companies and as traders for US imports. The elite has managed to disseminate their justification for such American economic dominance so much so that such ideology is taken for economic rationality. Such ideology in this day and age is called “globalization”. The long-term impact really of US “Parity Rights” is that most Filipinos have lost the sense of nationalism. Among many other things, they have become blind to or accepting of the fact that an Indonesian magnate, Anthoni Salim, has violated our Constitution by owning the biggest public utility firms like PLDT and Meralco as well as most expressways. An Indonesian tycoon, quite amazingly, has gotten parity rights for himself,
which Americans got in 1946 only with the twin bribes: our nation’s independence and $800 million. Salim offered nothing. Underdeveloped and crisisprone The kind of economic structure that was the result of parity rights—in which industrialization was blocked because of the massive imports of US goods and through which capital was drained out of the country by US mining companies— kept us underdeveloped and prone to crisis. As a result, we became addicted to loans with conditions purportedly intended to shore up our economy, mainly from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which had conditions that intruded into our sovereignty as much as the Bell Trade Act did. We have had 23 such IMF loans, from 1962 to 1998, the socalled standby arrangement or extended facility loans, making us one of two countries in the world with the most number of such arrangements, the other one being Haiti. By comparison, how many such facilities have Indonesia and Thailand had, the only two other countries in Asia that got that type of IMF loans? Indonesia had 11, Thailand just two. PAGE A7
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Dateline PhiliPPines
A
MILF, MNLF reaffirm commitment to peace process amid Marawi siege by John
Unson Philstar.com
LANAO DEL SUR - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front reiterated on Thursday, May 25 their commitment to the peace process in the wake of the raging strife in Marawi City. The two fronts also condemned the siege since Tuesday afternoon of several baragays in Marawi City by combined members of the Maute terror group and the Abu Sayyaf. Al-Haj Murad Ibrahim, chairman of the MILF’s central committee, said they condemn the violent attacks in Marawi City by terrorists. “There is no justification for launching an offensive against civilian populace and to destroy infrastructures and institutions serving the public,” he said in a signed press communiqué. The MILF, which splintered from the MNLF in the early 1980s, has a current diplomatic overture with Malacanang, which began on January 7, 1997. “The MILF stands in solidarity with the people of Marawi and Lanao del Sur,” Murad said. He said MILF forces have been directed to help the government thwart attempts by terrorists to derail the peace in the local communities. Murad said the MILF remain committed to the southern peace process, which aims to put a ne-
Residents flee Marawi City to escape clashes.
gotiated closure to the now fourdecade Moro issue. He said the MILF is hoping the martial law President Rodrigo Duterte declared late Tuesday will not in any way infringe all of their interim security agreements with the national government, including the mechanisms of the ceasefire enjoining mutual cooperation in addressing peace and security issues in conflict-flashpoint areas. The government and the MILF has a standing ceasefire accord, the July 1997 Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities, that binds the group, the police and the military to work together in maintaining law and order in hostile areas. The MNLF identified with former Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema, the largest among three factions in the group, also assured on
Pulitzer Prize-winning Fil-Am... PAGE A4 t
on the woman who cared for him her whole life. One reader pointed that lack of effort out, saying that, “The author aided and abetted in slavery. His pathetic efforts to ease her situation in the last few years of her life were not enough.” Upon receiving international attention, The Atlantic magazine staff acknowledged the praise as well as the backlash. “Alex did not know that we would be putting his piece on the cover of this issue; he died the day we made that decision, before we had a chance to tell
him,” The Atlantic editor-inchief Jeffrey Goldberg wrote in an editor’s note. “His death, quite obviously, could have derailed publication of what turned out to be his final story, but his family, led by Melissa and his siblings, worked with us during this uniquely trying time to make publication possible However, as Philippine-based Scout Magazine puts it, the international outrage stems from “a place where they don’t fully understand the culture the story is set in,” including the fact that domestic help is deeply embedded in the culture and that many maids
Philstar.com photo by John Unson
Thursday to keep its commitment to the peace process, which some sectors now fear could be affected by the conflict in Marawi City. The MNLF-Sema group, presently led by former Sulu Gov. Yusoph Jikiri, has long converged with the MILF and is even helping push the peace process forward through its three representatives to the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC). The BTC, chaired by Ghazali Jaafar, is now crafting a draft law needed to replace the ARMM with a more empowered Bangsamoro government based on the MILF’s compact with Malacanang, the March 27, 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro. Jikiri, in a statement, said they will continue helping the government address security problems in areas where MNLF members reside. n
GETTING READY. Children with their parents buy school supplies at a public market on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Sunday, May 21, two weeks before the start of classes. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez
PH, Russia embark on ‘new chapter...
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leader said that their governments “have very many promising and interesting areas of cooperation, including on energy machine building, transport and infrastructure.” “And I think we can cooperate in many different technical spheres,” Putin added. Putin also expressed sympathies over the terror crisis in Mindanao. “At the outset of our conversation, I would express our condolences over the loss of lives of your people because of a horrible terrorist attack,” he said. He further added, “And let me express hope that the conflict that and servants work willingly for the you have just mentioned will be resolved as soon as possible and families. Tizon celebrated a fruitful career with minimal losses and casualas a journalist, serving as reporter ties.” for the Seattle Times and Seattle Bureau Chief for the Los Angeles Times. In 1997, he won a Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting for a PAGE A6 t five-part series on fraudulent acThese IMF loans had zero intertivity in the Federal Indian Housing Program. He is also the author est rates but had such huge condiof the award-winning “Big Little tions, such as the lowering of our Man: In Search of My Asian Self,” tariff rates, privatization of public an examination of his experience utilities, loosening restrictions as a first-generation immigrant on foreign investments, stopping and what life is like in the U.S. as subsidies for the poor. If those conditions sound good, it’s bean Asian man. Tizon is survived by his wife and cause of the elite’s brainwashing. Such unrestricted and swift opentheir two daughters. n
Likewise, the Russian leader affirmed that the signing of bilateral agreements will still push through, with Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano representing Duterte. Earlier in his pre-departure speech, Duterte stressed that Russia “must cease to be at the margins of Philippine diplomacy.” “Over-dependence on traditional partners has limited our room to maneuver in a very dynamic international arena. This is a strategic oversight that has led to many missed opportunities for our country. I am determined to correct this,” he said. Pointing out that “there are opportunities that cannot be ignored,” Duterte said that Russia is a country that the Philippines “must” work with.
Rejection of EU grants... ing up of the economy to advanced nations’ monopoly firms—which Japan, South Korea, or Singapore did only when they were already developed—explains much of our underdevelopment now. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Asian countries which didn’t have such loans with conditions that required them to open up the economy swiftly retained their sovereignty in their
“There is much room to develop mutually beneficial cooperation. There are many opportunities that need to be explored. Now we can work together to open those doors even wider,” he said. Last year, Duterte announced the Philippines’ “separation” with the United States, its decades-long ally, in favor of a closer shift toward Russia and China as part of asserting the country’s’ independent foreign policy. Stressing the level of importance his administration “places on the writing of a new chapter of Philippines–Russia relationship,” Duterte said this week’s “landmark trip” to Moscow underscores the Philippines’ “firm resolve” to “broaden the horizons of friendship and cooperation with other nations.” n economic policies, and managed their economies to develop their own industries. Even Indonesia and Thailand which had availed of loans with conditions—but fewer—are now more developed than we are. We may lose hundreds of millions of euros by rejecting EU grants. Such a move however puts us on the path of independent nationhood, which rich countries have proven to be the key to prosperity. (ManilaTimes.net)
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HANS JEBSEN, TESS RANCES, MIHO WALSH, DAVID ROCKEFELLER, MERCEDES ZOBEL, JOSIE NATORI, WENDY O’NEILL, DR. JOVEN R. CUANANG, MARIBEL ONGPIN, LOUIE LOCSIN
COVER PHOTOS FOR ASIAN JOURNAL BY TROI SANTOS
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An Asian Journal Magazine
The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY m AY 26 , 20 1 7
PINTÔ MANHATTAN MANILA: A 24-HOUR ART EXHIBIT
Showcasing the work of 30 Filipino artists in New York by MoMar
It was an extraordinary and historic day for contemporary Philippine art in New York City as the 24-hour pop up art show called “the Pintô Manhattan Manila” exhibition, a one-day celebration of contemporary art Filipino made its way to downtown Manhattan. From 8:00 pm on Monday, May 22 to 8:00 pm on tuesday, May 23, Urban Zen, designer Donna Karan’s industrial and lifestyle space in the Greenwich Village was open for anyone who wanted to see the art works of more than 30 of some of the most accomplished contemporary Filipino artists representing various styles and aesthetics unique to the Philippines. Curated by New York-based designer Federico de Vera, along with Dr. Joven Cuanang of Pintô Art Museum, Dr. Luca Parolari of Pintô International and art historian Patrick Flores, the one-of-a-kind exhibition gathered a veritable intersection of the who’s who in the Filipino-American community and New York art scene. Honorary chairs of the event, Josie Natori, along with David and Susan Rockefeller, welcomed the evening’s guests, including Ambassador teodoro Locsin, Jr., Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Mercedes Zobel de Ayala, among others. Proceeds of the exhibit will benefit the Asian Cultural Council, a foundation supporting Asian contemporary artists with fellowships to live and work in New York for six months, and the Foundation supporting the Pintô Art Museum, to continue nurturing
G. Visaya/AJPress
young Filipino visual artists. “It’s a really vibrant show and there’s an enthusiastic response and apparently, that’s New York. they really appreciate art. this is a great venue for these Filipino artists,” said Ambassador teodoro Locsin, Jr., the new Philippine representative to the United Nations. the ambassador said he met Dr. Cuanang through his wife Lourdes Locsin who has worked with Cuanang and the artists before through the Asian Cultural Council. “the sophistication of the work is something. I’m hoping that later on, they bring this kind of exhibit to the Philippine Center,” he added. David Rockefeller delivered a short speech during the exhibit opening. “How wonderful it is for ACC to have this fantastic relationship with the Philippines and Pintô Museum. My uncle John Rockefeller was the founder, his daughter Valerie is here tonight,” Rockefeller said. “My wife Susan and I are so happy to go frequently to the Philippines and to see what extraordinary people and art are there. thank you for bringing some of it here. It is easier to come downtown.” World-renowned fashion designer Donna Karan who owns Urban Zen attended the exhibition as well and mingled with guests. “this is just amazing, truly amazing. It is an honor to have this quality of art in this studio,” said Karan, who admitted that she was surprised by the diversity of exhibition. “So many people have asked
Dr. Joven Cuanang, Dr. Luca Parolari and Federico de Vera, the men behind Pintô Manhattan Manila pose in front of a Kawayan de Guia mixed media called Burden of the Masters of Mankind. AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya
Lauren Lawrence, Susan Rockefeller
Edwin Josue, Josie Natori, Dr. Joven R. Cuanang, Susan Beer
me to work with the people on health care there (in the Philippines), to work mostly with artisans, because that’s what I do in Haiti,” she said. “It is amazing [to be here] in my husband’s studio, his passion was in the arts.” Because of the success of the New York exhibition, there are now plans for other Pintô International exhibits in cities such as Milan, Paris and tokyo. Roots of Pintô Dr. Joven Cuanang, a renowned neurologist by profession, is the man behind Pintô Art Museum. Despite his extraordinary achievements in his field and in the arts, he remains humble and deeply rooted in his community. He is also an avid collector and one of the country’s top patrons of the arts. A self confessed GI – Genuine Ilocano, that is – Dr. Cuanang’s patronage and support as early as three decades ago changed the landscape and history of contemporary Philippine art. Cuanang developed a friendship with the local artists to the point of even offering his place in Manila as their exhibition space. He created extensive collections and brought his art-loving friends to see them. In the early 1970s, there were only about a dozen neurologists in the country serving 60 million Filipinos then. Dr. Cuanang went to Harvard and opted to return to the country to start a career of medical education there and eventually training the future generations of neurologists. “I went into art by some kind of an accident,” Cuanang revealed. “It was after the EDSA revolution in 1986 and there was a lot of democratic space after that. Some of the professionals in Antipolo gathered together and we asked ourselves what could we do to help. We decided to help make Antipolo a center for art, culture and ecology.” His collection of more than 200 works of sculpture, painting, and installations has since been donated to the museum he created, Pintô Art Museum in Antipolo, and the gallery continues to run to this day. the private museum is dedicated to the exhibition and study of Philippine contemporary art. Pintô International was born to become a portal or a platform for Filipino artists so that they can be exposed to the rest of the world. “New York is the center of art and we wanted our maiden exhibition to be done here. Pintô, that’s the door to Manhattan from the Philippines,” Cuanang added. It took more than two years for the idea of an NYC exhibition to come to life. Not even a stent in his heart placed less than two weeks ago could prevent Dr. Cuanang from attending the exhibit. “And here we are. I am so happy to have met so many people who helped in one way or the other. Ultimately, I want the Filipinos to be proud and I want the other peoples of the world to understand that we Filipinos can do it,” Cuanang said. Artists’ Perspective the exhibit showcased work from more than 30 contemporary
Ambassador Teddy Locsin, Jr.
Mercedez Zobel and Dr. Joven R. Cuanang
Josie Natori
Designer Rafe Totengco (middle) also attended the opening party.
Jorge Ortoll, Edwin Josue, Elizabeth and Robert Dobrish
Fil-Am community leaders, among them Erno Hormillosa, Loida Nicolas Lewis and Jerry Sibal.
Filipino artists. Leeroy New brought a mixed media sculpture piece called Balete, inspired by the balete tree’s sinewy roots. “I’m appreciative that we get to showcase in a different platform in a different country and I’m also here to support my fellow artists in this endeavor. It feels good,” New remarked moments before the official opening of the exhibit. “I do a lot of set ups that are only required to be there for a day but this is kind of different in terms of scale because there are a lot of artists involved for a 24-hour gallery show. It’s quite daunting when we were starting to see all these art works in one room,” he added. John Paul Duray, at 28 years old, is one of the youngest artists to be part of the exhibit. “Sobrang saya ko na isa ako sa mga artists na napili. Kasama ako sa ilang mga artists na nagsimulang magpakahirap para may maabutan pa ako na art scene sa Pilipinas,” he said. He brought with him five of his sculptures, including one he calls Saging Lang ang May Puso, tagged in the exhibition as Banana Man, and a couple of the smaller sculptures that show a person carrying a Herschel backpack filled with bitter melon. “Pinoy humor siya, with values and some culture,” Duray said. “Yung mga millenials kasi ngayon – or even the older ones, actually lahat tayo, we are all bitter in our own way.” “Hindi pa talaga ako makapaniwala na nandito ako with the group,” he said further, explaining that he just launched a couple of his works at the Art in the Park in Manila last April. His collection got sold out in the first hour. Asked about what he wanted the evening’s guests to take away from the exhibit, New replied, “I want the New York audience to see that the Philippines has a thriving creative industry and this is just one aspect. there’s a whole lot happening in film-making, commercial design, architecture and everything else.
Florian and Michelle Hugo
Mercedes Zobel, Donna Karan and Dr. Joven R. Cuanang
Dr. Joven R. Cuanang, David Rockefeller, Josie Natori, Korina Sanchez-Roxas and Dr. Luca Parolari Photos by Troi Santos
this is just a sampling, and this is just one particular direction in Filipino art, it’s not the entire Filipino art movement.” “Pintô: Manhattan Manila” showcased the works of Manuel Ocampo, Elmer Borlongan, Gil Batle, Emmanuel Garibay, Mark Justiniani, Antonio Leano, Joy Mallari, Ronald Ventura, José John Santos, Kawayan de Guia, Alfredo Esquillo, Nona Garcia, Gregory Halili, Riel Hilario, Geraldine Javier, Erwin Leano, Ian Quirante, Pam Yan-Santos, Jigger Cruz, Rodel tapaya, Marina Cruz, Raffy Napay, Leeroy New, Dexter Fernandez, Jana Benitez, Winner Jumalon, Joven Mansit, Martha Atienza, Guerrero Habulan, Ryan Villamael, Jp and Pogs Samson.
these artists’ styles include surrealism, expressionism, minimalism, social realism and conceptual art, all with an attention to identity and rootedness. their themes and subjects are both universal and product of the unique historical and cultural experience of being Filipino. Federico De Vera, the New York-based designer and owner of the eponymous De Vera gallery in Soho, curated the show. De Vera has curated major art shows, including the critically acclaimed “Egon Schiele: Portraits” at the Neue Galerie on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, and an all-Filipino show that will take up three floors of the Ayala Museum, opening in October.
Michael Ainslie, Josie Natori, Susan Gutfreund, Joanne De Asis Benitez
Laura Lehmann
Fernando Zobel, Catherine Zobel, Maria Teresa Meloni, Dr. Joven R. Fernando Zobel, Catherine Zobel, Mercedes Zobel, Teresa Colley, and Photos by Annie Wattand Cuanang, Susan Beer and Louie Locsin Bruce Colley
Immigration Corner
What is ‘extreme hardship’?
on establishing extreme hardship. In the past, applicants had to rely on published immigration cases Atty. MichAel that discussed extreme hardship, Gurfinkel, eSQ USCIS memos, etc. to figure out what constitutes extreme hardship If a person commits certain and how to prove it. USCIS’s PM immigration violations (such as on extreme hardship aims to clarify fraud, or overstaying in the US for how USCIS should make extreme over six months and then departs, hardship determinations. etc.), the person may not be eligible But even with this PM, figuring to receive a green card, unless the out what constitutes extreme person applies for, and is granted, hardship can still be confusing. a “waiver of inadmissibility” (or Even USCIS admits that the term “forgiveness”) on a form I-601. “extreme hardship” is not expressly To be eligible for the waiver, the defined in the law, regulations, person must demonstrate he or or in case law. USCIS further she has a spouse or parent who is states that to meet this “extreme a US citizen or a green card holder hardship” requirement, the person (“qualifying relatives”), and the must show that the refusal of qualifying relative would suffer admission would “impose more “extreme hardship” if the applicant than the usual level of hardship is not granted the waiver. that commonly results from family But what is extreme hardship? separation or relocation.” That’s an How does a person demonstrate important point: “extreme” simply or prove extreme hardship on the means “more than usual,” or more qualifying relative? How should likely than not, or 51% probability. the immigration officer evaluate Among the items to be the qualifying relative’s extreme considered are: hardship? • Hardship to the qualifying The USCIS has a policy manual relative if they have to relocate (PM), to provide some guidelines overseas (to be with the applicant),
or, in the alternative, remain in the US, (separated from the applicant). • Strong family ties in the US • Social and cultural impact if the qualifying relative has to relocate overseas to be with the applicant • Economic impact on the qualifying relative if the hardship waiver is not granted • Health conditions and medical care of the qualifying relative • Country conditions, and State Department travel warnings for the country where the qualifying relative would have to relocate. The PM lists dozens of specific factors which could constitute extreme hardship on a qualifying relative, and points out numerous factors which would not be considered extreme hardship. The PM provides some hypothetical examples where the claimed hardship would be considered normal or a “common consequence of relocation”, as opposed to being “extreme”. Many people, when faced with having to file a waiver of Continued on Page 5
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY m AY 26 , 20 1 7
FAKE TOURIST VISA RESULTED IN BEING SENT BACK TO THE PHILIPPINES “A TO A,” AND LATER JEOPARDIZED HIS IMMIGRANT VISA DUE TO FRAUD — ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Johnnatan (second from left) got a tourist visa through a newspaper ad that advertised “Non-Appearance” visas for $2,500. He entered the U.S. in 2002 without any problems, but when he returned in 2003, he was held at the airport and sent back to the Philippines, after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) accused him of using a fake or counterfeit tourist visa. That meant a possible lifetime ban. Years later, his mother’s petition became current, and he was afraid how his fake tourist visa would affect his and his daughter’s chances of immigrating to the U.S. Watch how a family was able to overcome a fraud charge and be reunited, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – this Sunday, May 28 at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising supplement)
A Beautiful Philippine Independence Day Parade in nYC on Sunday, June 4 PAgEAnT aficionados in nYC will truly have a spectacular day on June 4, 2017! The 119th Celebration of the Declaration of Philippine Independence will have a grand Parade along Madison Avenue in nYC with three of the Philippines’ most beautiful women who brought pride and joy and pride to all filipinos worldwide continue to do so here in the parade. A comeback to nYC Philippine Independence Parade by Miss
World 2013, Megan Young, Miss Universe 2015, Pia Wurtzbach, who was also last year’s Independence Ball honored guest and now Miss International 2016, Kylie Verzosa are this year’s special guests at the parade. Their participation is courtesy of the PH Tourism Promotions Board and neocolors. The three queens will be joined by celebrity headliners Concert King Martin nievera , Asia’s nightingale Lani Misalucha courtesy of VYnZ-nY Entertainment; and American Idol’s 11th Season 1st runner-up winner Jessica Sanchez. Ms World-Philippines 2014 Valerie Weigman, now based in nYC, will also be at the parade, along side current grand Champion global Pinoy Singing
Miss World 2013 Megan Young
Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach
Idol, Shane Ericks and Mikey Bustos, our youtube sensation/ comedian. Other performers include Sing Pilipinas Winners Mitch Week, Christopher Corro - 1st runner
up; Desiree Wisotsky - 2nd runner up; and Excelsia De Jesus 3rd runner up. An invitation has been extended to the cast of Ms. Saigon. PIDCI’s 2017 Parade grand
Marshals Drs. Rod & Ellen Castillo will spearhead this June’s parade with the Mrs. Kalayaan and Diwa ng Kalayaan and their court with the PIDCI Pres. and Board of Directors, the Philippine Consulate general in nY.
Hundred fil-Am Organizations and local beauty queens and kings from all over the US and government officials will be joining the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. Continued on Page 5
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY M AY 26 , 20 1 7
On the PEP Front
People, Events, Places
A dissertation on the ‘sunset’ in the life of senior citizens
BoBBy T. yalong THEy say growing old is one exceptional privilege not granted to many as it is the crown of a full life… the final act in one’s role play on earth. During one’s youth, the days are seemingly short and years are quite long but as one grows old, days seem dragging while years are getting shorter. People often talk of the revulsions, disgust, and dreadfulness of getting old. Those who are alarmed to find reaching their senior status and terrified to grow old and grey are people who haven’t experienced fulfillment and failed to fully accomplish what they really wanted in life. Old age is something not to be scared of. It’s neither a communicably infectious disease nor a switchblade aimed for you to breathe your last but rather the very strength of survivorship… the phase of triumph over all kinds of adversities, vicissitudes, and trials…and the gratifying essence of conquest over disappointments and letdowns. Actually, if taken seriously, growing old could take a long period of planning that starts from one’s early life stage. It is something nobody could escape and break away from whether you’re well-off or underprivileged and whatever creed or race… old age comes inevitably. The current life expectancy
Seniors at PACCAL office during a recent session
of humans has incredibly defied the typical norm and standard as attested by a highly publicized paper which technically claimed that the maximum human lifespan has interestingly reached an average of 115 years. Since old people often have limited regenerative capabilities and are more susceptible to ailments, disordered patterns, and illnesses, accurate concern and continuous support are suggested to protract their hale and hearty existence. Gerontology, the branch of science that deals with the medical study of the aging process, has further explored researches of the diseases that generally have effects on the elderly. Geriatric doctors, by and large, would conclude that one scary form of syndrome that could fatally affect growing old is Alzheimer’s Disease, an illness
Linda M. Mayo closely facilitates a seniors activity
named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German physician who discovered it in 1906. There is often a misconception that Alzheimer’s is old age. The wrong notion has been enlightened by the complete knowledgeability about the dreaded mental disorder. It is a progressive and fatal disease (a type of dementia) that destroys one’s memory and mental functions, which a staggering number of victims developed through going old. Although there’s still no cure for this chronic neurodegenerative disease but some treatments were prescribed to, at least temporarily improve the symptoms. Senescence, the natural process of aging, has adapted varied terms and euphemisms to respectively refer to older people:
Dr. Elizabeth Bulosan during her Physical Therapy session with seniors from Berry Gardens Senior Center.
EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
SERVICES
in the US they are called “Seniors” while in British usage (and also in the US) it’s “Senior Citizens” but in social science and other cultures, they are addressed as “Older Adults’ or the “Elderly.” In most developed countries, 65 years old was accepted to denote an elderly person contrary to the African study of old age where the World Health Organization (WHO) has set 50 as the beginning of old age. A human being’s life expectancy could be as long as when one could sustain and incessantly survive the ordeals of daily existence but, on the other hand, could be shortened by any phenomenal occurrence and disheartening fate. If to be taken in poetical context, one’s life is said to be co-terminus with the setting of the King Ra (the sun) as his nascence (birth) is co-existent with the dawn. If “change” is the only permanent thing on earth easily then we could consider old age (and ultimately, death) as a factor that could put an end to the former. With old age comes retirement when elders are entitled to be eligible for senior social programs and benefits. Traditionally, the full benefit age for retirement was 65 and early retirement benefits were first available at age 62 with a permanent reduction to 80 percent of the full benefit amount. Currently, the full benefit age was increased to 66 for people in 1943 to 1954 and it will gradually rise to 67 for those born in 1960 or later. Then there’s what researchers
coined as old age frailty, a body condition among most people in the age range of 60 to 80 when they suffer “bodily failure’ and in need of greater dependence and assistance. Geriatricians have proposed a general definition for such condition as “a physical state of increased vulnerability to stressors that results from decreased reserves and disregulation in multiple physiological systems.” Deterioration from agility in their 65 to 80s period brought about by an array of chronic physical and mental illnesses becomes a depressing problem which require a high level of care and medication to prolong their years and to possibly “postpone” the blow of death since approximately half of death cases in old age were preceded by months and years of frailty. Funny that it may sound when you hear a senior citizen exclaim “At my age, I am like a rolling pharmacy…” due to the huge amount of different medications he or she has to literally take in a day. Although prescribed medications are relievers and healers, seniors should also be alerted about the risks and benefits of the medicines they’re prescribed. According to Dr. Leo A. Dela Cruz, a well-revered Geriatric physician in Jersey City: “As the body ages, the ability to break down substances decreases and sometimes unable to metabolize
SERVICES
drugs. When taking more than one medication at a time medicines can interact with each other that could cause unexpected or adverse effects instead of cure.” Incidentally, here in Jersey City, there are legitimate senior citizen service providers and advocates that aid the local government by providing assistance in compassionately caring for the urban elders. PACCAL (Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc.), a 25-year old organization founded by Linda M. Mayo and a number of civic-minded FilipinoAmerican veterans, is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization duly recognized by the Hudson County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office On Aging and since had consistently been doing Senior Outreach Programs and Healthy Aging Programs through partnerships with other community organizations and senior housing facilities. On the other hand, a newly established senior-oriented program headed by Elizabeth Bulosan, DPT, the “Seniors’ Physical & Wellness Program”, was conceptualized by Jersey City-based Hudson RehabSpa, to promote healthy lifestyle, wellness initiatives, and safety options among senior citizens in the Jersey City areas while being able to saturate the most proximal senior centers to relentlessly augment Continued on Page 6
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An Asian Journal Magazine
Philippines takes part in Le Salon Du Café NEW YORK, NY – The Philippines, through the Mountain Province Espresso Bar, along with 12 other countries, participated in the Le Salon Du Café / Thé, a coffee/tea tasting fair at the United Nations headquarters in New York on 18 May 2017. The Philippine Consulate General in New York invited Mountain Province Espresso Bar to participate in the fair to give them added exposure and to be able to assist in efforts to introduce Philippine coffee brands to the international
audience. Mountain Province Espresso Bar is a Filipino owned and Philippine-inspired coffee shop located in Brooklyn, New York, which specializes in organic coffee imported from small growers in the Philippines, particularly from Benguet. During the fair, guests were offered several coffee blends and were also able to sample Philippine baked treats such as cassava cakes, coconut muffins and pineapple scones. The Mountain Province booth attracted about 120
What is ‘extreme hardship’? From Page 3 inadmissibility, do it on his or her own, rather than seeking the advice or guidance of an attorney. While hiring an attorney does not “guarantee” approval, the determination and evaluation of extreme hardship can be a complex and complicated task. Putting together an effective presentation is also critical. The PM is 48 pages long. The instructions for filling out the Form I-601 are 21 pages. The I-601 form itself is 13 pages long. The stakes are so high in applying for the waiver. If a person is not granted a fraud waiver, it could
result in a lifetime ban. If the 3/10 year bar waiver is not approved, the relative may not be able to apply for a visa to come to the US for at least 10 years. That is why when you have something as complex as a waiver of inadmissibility, you should seek the advice and guidance of an attorney, rather than doing it on your own. Learning immigration law (or figuring out what is “extreme hardship” and how to prove it) by doing the waiver on your own could have lifetime consequences on your relative. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an
guests at the fair, including members of the diplomatic corps, country delegations attending the UN meetings, and media practitioners. The fair was sponsored by the Arab Ladies at the United Nations (ALUN) and the United Nations Correspondents Association(UNCA). Personnel from the Philippine Consulate General and the Philippine Mission to the U.N., led by Deputy Consul General Felipe F. Cariño III attended the event and assisted Mountain Province Espresso Bar during the fair. active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)
A Beautiful Philippine Independence Day... From Page 3 (PIDCI) which produces the annual celebration and parade here in NYC. 2017 PIDCI Officers and Board of Directors are: Prospero A. Lim, MD (President), Raul Estrellado (VicePresident), Joycelyn Aligarbes (Secretary), Nora Galleros (Treasurer), Annie Ortiz (Internal Auditor), Manny B. Quintal, Esq; (General Counsel) and Directors: Anthony Bautista, Olivia David,
Dora Koltsidis, Rely Manacay, Beth Manalo, Ronie Mataquel, Bert Olimpo, Nonoy Rafael, Levi Tejada,Shiran Ybanez; Antero Martinez – Executive Director, Gheng Pingol – Special Assistant to the President & Honorary Adviser Consul General Ma. Theresa D. De Vega Mrs. Kalayaan 2017 and her court: Mrs Kalayaan 2017 Lourdes Romero Saleh Mrs Kalayaan Fil-Am 2017
Jodi Michelle Orencia Mrs Kalayaan Philippines 2017 Rosalie Rabeje Mrs Kalayaan Luzon 2017 Ann Constantino Beck Diwa ng Kalayaan 2017 and her court: Ramona Munsayac - Diwa ng Kalayaan 2017 Jasmine Sta Cruz -Bituin ng Luzon Pearl Reyes - Bituin ng Visayas Leah Elizabeth Wong - Bituin ng Mindanao
The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY M AY 26 , 20 1 7
Calendar of Events across
America
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AMBOY presents lechon festival in LA AMBOY presents a Lechon festival on Friday, May 26 where six different chefs will compete and be given the chance to show their version of our beloved lechon. All attendees and judges will get the chance to taste each chef’s representation and get to vote for the best version of lechon in Los Angeles based on flavor, originality, plating and crunchiness. VIP guests and judges will have additional courses made by each chef competing for the grand prizes. It is $75 for VIP (entrance at 6 p.m.) and $50 for GA (entrance at 7 p.m.). It will be held at the second floor of Far East Plaza (727 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012). To book online, please visit www.universe.com/amboylechonfestival or email eatatamboy@ gmail.com for any inquiries.
M AY 28
Global gathering of Bulacan High School and Marcelo H. del Pilar High School in Rosemead, CA Graduates of Bulacan High School and Marcelo H. del Pilar High School of Malolos, Bulacan will hold their first ever global gathering on Sunday, May 28 at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel in Rosemead, California. Please call up any of the following for more details: Rosario “Charito” Aldaba Gabriel (Class ‘66), Tel. No. (818)-982-1165; Lourdes Ople Smith (Class ’64) Tel. No. (310)-662-1948; Gerry “German” Torres, Jr. (Class ’66) Tel. No. (818)-646-3286. You can also visit the website at www.mhpnhs-maa.com.
Filipino Medical Program hosts community health screening in Jersey City Holy Name Medical Center’s Filipino Medical Program will have a health screening from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 28 at the Santacruzan Festival at St. Mary’s Church on 254 2nd St, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302. For more information, please call the FMP at (201) 833-3355 or email lavarro@holyname.org.
JUNE 3
5th annual Kalayaan Parade in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown The 5th Kalayaan Parade in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown will be held on Saturday, June 3, beginning at 9 a.m. to celebrate the 119th Philippine Independence Day. LA Councilmember Mitch O’ Farrell of District 13 will be the guest speaker of the program. The assembly area is in front of the Silverlake Medical Center (SLMC) at Temple Street at 8:00 a.m. The parade starts at 9:00 a.m. and will end at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) compound. For more information please call Art at (213) 318-9065 or visit www.jfavusa.org.
Kalayaan Incorporated’s Philippine Independence Gala Night in Garden Grove, CA Kalayaan Incorporated Southern California, with the cooperation of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, invites you to its Gala Night in commemoration of the 119th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on Saturday, June 3. It will be held at the Hyatt Regency Orange County (11999 Harbor Blvd. Garden Grove, California 92840). Doors open at 5 p.m. with the program beginning at 6:15 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. It is $75 / per ticket (pre-paid). Attire is formal/barong/Filipinana. For more information, please visit https://www. kalayaanincorporatedsocal.com/.
Pista sa Nayon in Vallejo, CA Come and experience the celebration of Philippine Independence Day in Vallejo, California on Saturday, June 3. It will be held at the Vallejo Waterfront from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festivities will kick-off with a grand parade beginning at the corner of Marin Street and Capitol Street in Vallejo. Then they will continue with non-stop entertainment and ending on two stages at the renowned Vallejo Waterfront. This annual event is one of Vallejo’s largest FREE outdoor festivals that draws crowds wanting to sample Philippine cuisine, soak up Filipino hospitality and enjoy entertainment that crosses all ages, cultures and ethnicities. This year’s entertainment — presented by GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV — will be Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera and Kuh Ledesma, among others. Come and experience the Philippine culture firsthand & bring the whole family! Pista sa Nayon is the highlight of the City of Vallejo’s Philippine Cultural Month celebrated throughout the month of June. Vallejo Pista Sa Nayon will be held at 301 Mare Island Way, Vallejo, California 94590. For more information, please visit http://www.vallejopistasanayon.com/.
Walk for Mom in Teaneck, NJ The Filipino Medical Program invites members of the Filipino-American community to Holy Name Medical Center’s Walk for Mom, a breast cancer awareness walkathon on Saturday, June 3. Participate in a fun-filled celebration including music, snacks, prizes, FREE T-shirts and other exciting events. It will be held at 718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ (south parking lot), with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. The walk begins at 10:30 a.m. and is 1.5 miles. Suggested donation is $10. Proceeds fund free mammogram screenings for up to 100 women. For more information, please call (201) 833-3336 or email walkformom@ holyname.org.
JUNE 10
119th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day in Carson, CA The Philippine Independence Day Foundation, Inc. (PIDF), in conjunction with the City of Carson, GMA Life TV, GMA Pinoy TV, GMA News TV, and Tesoro, will celebrate the 119th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day at the Carson Veterans Park (22400 Moneta Street, Carson, CA 90745) on Saturday, June 10. Thousands of people are expected to enjoy the non-stop, day-long event that will be jam-packed with entertainment and activities featuring the rich, beautiful, and spirited Filipino heritage. The eventful day kicks off with a flag raising ceremony at 7:30 a.m., followed by an ecumenical service and a community mass. The parade — to be headed by 119th Philippine Independence Grand Marshal, Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz of the Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles, and to be participated in by a multitude of community organizations and associations from all across Southern California — will be at about 10:00 a.m. This will be followed by the daylong program featuring talented performers from across the South Bay, Southern California, and beyond! The program will be headlined by none other than GMA Network Kapuso’s Primetime Queen Marian Rivera and Primetime King Dingdong Dantes! In addition to the live entertainment, cultural center, food booths, exhibits, vendors, PWC’s Jeepney, chess tournament, and children’s area, there will also be a bone marrow drive for Fil-Am LAPD Officer Matthew Medina. This event would not possible without the leadership of Councilmember Elito M. Santarina, the hard work of our dedicated PIDF Trustees and volunteers, and of course the generosity of our sponsors; Tesoro Refining and Marketing LLC, Waste Management, Carson Companies, KL Fenix, Watson Land, Community Dynamics, IBEW Local 11 &NECA Los Angeles, Nationwide Environmental Services, Brea Canon Oil Co., Inc., Leelin Bakery & Cafe, and Kellogg Garden Products. For more information or any questions, please email pidf.info@gmail.com.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY m AY 26 , 20 1 7
39th Santacruzan & Flores De Mayo Festival 2017 On Sunday, May 28, 2017 — CAM in community partnership with PACCAL 501(c) (3) will be celebrating its “39th Santacruzan & Flores de Mayo Festival 2017” in downtown Jersey City, nJ. It is amongst the largest assemblages of FilipinoAmerican’s in the East Coast, USA. Last year’s celebration was attended by over 10,000 people. The festival is an all-day event complete with over 100 vendors, flea market type, handicrafts, jewelry, clothing, artwork, toys, food concessions, non-profit organizations, businesses, exhibitors, live on stage performances, arts and crafts, games and all-day fun activities for the entire family. The most beloved Filipino tradition of Santacruzan is known as “The Queen of All Feasts” during Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May). Commemorating our 39th year, it will be our largest attended celebration of “Santacruzan.” The venue has expanded to occupy six (6) city blocks wide, including our “Health Fair” joining the festivities as a free public service to the community. We are also proud to announce the 3nd year of our “STX Fil- Am 5K Race & Manila Ave. Mile Fun Run/Walk” Fundraiser, which anticipates over 500 runners. Join the “STX Fil- Am 5K Race & Manila Ave. Mile Fun Run/Walk” and automatically be entered into a raffle for to Win a Free round trip ticket to the Manila, along with other prizes. At 9am the race starts at Town Square across the Pavonia newport PATH station. The race route will be along the Jersey City Waterfront Walkway’s scenic view of the nYC skyline and finish along the Santacruzan procession route on Manila Ave. & Second Street. (STX 5K on-site registration begins at 8:00am at Town Square, Manila
Ave Mile Fun/Run walk on-site registration begins at 9:30am on Manila Ave. and Second St.) for more info visit : bit. ly/STXFILAM5K The festival will be located along Manila Avenue, from First Street to Sixth Street, and fronting St. Mary’s Church on Second Street, in downtown Jersey City, nJ (10:00am– 8:00pm). The highlight of the day is the traditional celebration of “Santacruzan & Flores de Mayo,” centering around the Religious Procession with the Hermanos & Hermanas Mayores, the Reyna Elenas and Sagalas. This year we are proud to present: Reyna Elena I: Kaitlyn Marie Kasilag Reyes Reyna Elena II : Daniella Therese Tero Reyna De Las Flores: Hazel Bejo Adao Reyna Emperatriz: Esperanza Lazaro Magbaleta Hermana Mayor: Ruth SaOnoy Hermano Mayor: Guillermo Austria Hermana Mayor: Vicenta C. Williams The Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church, Second St. corner of Erie St., Jersey City at 2:30 pm. Our Celebrant and Homilist is Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Apostolic nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United nation. The Santacruzan procession follows immediately after the mass (4pm-5pm). On stage performances (11:00am–2:30pm & 5:00pm– 8:00pm) will feature celebrity performances, local youth talents, live bands, vocalists, cultural and modern dance troops. The entertainment line up on Main Stage include: Angel Ram, Anthony Samonte, Arato Brothers, Chris Paul Morales, Christine Morales, Jerome Gentolia, Take the Stage, Band Brothers, M. Josephine, Theater
Steps - Trinity Mayo Policarpio & Asia Guzman, Rasmin Diaz, Bruno Bars, Gene Flores, Filipino School of nY/nJ Dancers, Dark necessities, Princess & Jan Band, Music by: DJ KevyKev & sound by: David Reyes. Stage #2 (DJ/ Dance Stage) – Music by Soulful Cypher & performance by CUDA. CAM, PACCAL and FilAm Racing, we would like to acknowledge and thank all our Major Sponsors and Donors without whom this event could not be made possible: 92.3 AMP radio & Show Boy, Philippine Airlines, Philip Stein, AARP, and PDOT (It’s more fun in the Philippines), Fil-Vet Rep, Booking.com, Jack Rabbit Sports, nJ Running Company, United Mindoro Foundation, Hudson Rehab Spa, Hudson Medical, Holy name Medical Center, Lahi, VYnY - nY Ent., Wendy’s, Sisig Republic, Jollibee. Special thanks for promotional and marketing support by: Milk Fish Media, Cassanova Ent., CUDA, Soulful Cypher, MPE, Bebe Cherie, CodEx and Digital Media Ads powered by Kayle Solutions USA. Please join us on Santacruzan Day Sun May 28, 2017 and celebrate of one our oldest and beloved Filipino traditions. Mabuhay! For more info visit: www.facebook.com/ santacruzanfestivaljc To register for the STX 5K Race visit: www.filamracing.com To participate as a vendor please contact us via email: santacruzanstreetfair@gmail.com To join Procession – Sagalas/ Damas, Angels, Flower Girls, Escorts, Candle Pairs – contact: Amy Balverde: (551) 3580499 hondradobalverde@msn. com; Cherry Garcia: (201) 7367216 cher_garcia29@yahoo. com & Armi Ricardo: (201) 9636379 armiricardo4594@gmail. com
PAFCOM Parade & Festival set on June 25 JERSEY City, nJ - Philippine American Friendship Committee Inc. (PAFCOM) is celebrating its 27th annual Philippine American Friendship grand parade and festival this year. The celebration started with the Grand Marshal Ball held on April 1, 2017 in Queens, nY . Mr. Don and Mrs. Lea Frain are this year’s grand marshals who will lead this year’s parade. The honorary grand marshals are Consul General Tess Dizon De Vega of the Philippine Consulate General of new York and Hudson County , nJ Freeholder Anthony Romano. The celebration continued at the Coronation and Friendship Ball held on May 13, 2017 in Marriott Hotel in newark, nJ. Seven muses were crowned at the event. 2017 Muses are Ms. Angie Haboc as Mrs. PAFCOM, Ms. Jessica Soriano as Miss PAFCOM, Claramae Oliviera, as Miss Teen PAFCOM, Samantha Damito as Binibining Pilipinas, Ms. Joy Rodriguez as Mutya ng Silangan , Ms. Kayla Avanzado as Miss Liberty and Victoria Ortega as Little Miss PAFCOM. The grand celebration will be on Sunday, June 25th ,the Parade and Festival. The Opening ceremony will start at 11:30 am on West Side Avenue and Claremont Avenue and the PARADE will follow right after the opening ceremony at 12:00p. The parade will march along West Side Avenue and will conclude in Lincoln Park. The parade will be full of colorful costumes from different Filipino groups showcasing Filipino culture. It will also include
marching bands with American theme costumes and music. The Festival booths will open at 10:00am at Lincoln Park with variety of Filipino food and drinks. The entertainment will start at 1:00pm up to 6:00pm with performances from diverse talents, from folk to hip-hop dance groups, singers from solo to band performers. The Filipino Channel (TFC) has been the exclusive media sponsor and community partner of PAFCOM for many years, will be bringing DARREn ESPAnTO, the multi-talented teenager from Manila, Philippines to entertain our kababayans in the tristate area during the TFC hour 5:00pm – 6:00pm. This year’s grand celebration of Philippine and American friendship are sponsored by its major sponsors The Filipino Channel, Hudson Toyota 440, CarePoint Health, Hudson Rehabspa, Hudson Medical Plaza
and this year Quontic Bank joined the PAFCOM family as one of its major sponsors. Rose Javier, PAFCOM 2017 President , invites everyone to come and join this all day family event. It is a great opportunity to spend the day with friends and family with great food and entertainment .
Grand prize not won by Diwa ng Kalayaan winner
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.
By Tambi
Wycoco
IT was announced by the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) that while Ramona Munsayac 15, of Connecticut won the top PIDCI beauty contest title Diwa ng Kalayaan (Spirit of Independence) 2017 she will not collect the usual contest grand prize of a round trip airline ticket to the Philippines via Philippine Airlines (PAL) due to her inability to attain a qualifying condition for the grand prize. Thus Diwa ng Kalayaan 2017 Munsayac comes away only with a modicum of prizes, aside from the top title, including, for the first time in this year’s contest, a check for $500.00 dollars donated by leading volunteer community organization and one of some 200 PIDCI member organizations, Alliance of Manila & Philippine Islanders, S.A. officers Boy Echavez, Salve Stamatelaky, nanette Wright and this writer, who is the President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of the Board of the organization. The money prize was donated to serve as her pocket money had she won the grand prize trip to her former homeland. However the contestant who
Ramona Munsayac, PIDCI Diwa ng Kalayaan Spirit of Independence) 2017
Leah Elizabeth Wong, Hiyas Pilipinas, Bituin Photos by Boyet Loverita ng Mindanao
won the other of the two airline tickets to the Philippines prizes up for grabs for the contest was the winner of the title Hiyas ng Pilipinas, a title won by the highest fund-raiser among the contestants, Leah Elizabeth Wong. Wong also won the title Bituin ng Mindanao. In winning the airline ticket prize, Wong will thus join this year’s Ambassador and Tourism Directors Tour of the Philippines group to be gathered later this year for an official two-week stay in the
Philippines. The tour was revived this year after a year’s hiatus last year. Filipino and Filipino-American community stalwarts who have joined the tour in past years rejoiced at the revival of the tour, especially because one of the features of the tour is a photo-op with the current President of the Philippines and a sit down dinner for the group at Malacañan Palace, the official Philippine Presidential Mansion.
A dissertation on the ‘sunset’... Tomorrow, when we come face to face with the “sunset” of the corporeal care and disseminate our life we could always look back information among the city’s elderly and reminisce the good old years populace. of our youth and realize (sans In honor and respect to the regret) that we have at least seen country’s elders, President Ronald and did the best of what we were Reagan in 1988 declared August purposely created for. Growing old 21 to be national Senior Citizens graciously with positivity of spirit Day although still a few celebrate and prepared to brazen out the the occasion on August 14 as it was final hours could even be more the day ex-US President Franklin gratifying. Roosevelt signed the Social Security At this moment, we may Act in 1935. collectively agree with Maurice From Page 4
Chevalier when he quoted that: “A comfortable old age is the reward of a well-spent youth. Instead of it bringing sad and melancholy prospects of decay, it would give us hopes of eternal youth somewhere in a better world.” Worry not in getting old and grey…be proud that you’re privileged and blessed to reach this stage of life! For comment and suggestions, please email to: gemini0646@ yahoo.com.
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Robin Padilla ready to be hands-on lolo by MJ Marfori ManilaTimes.net
Liza Soberano ready to fly as Darna by ricky lo Philstar.com
UNLESS there are last-minute changes (‘And no doubt there won’t be,’ according to Funfare’s Very Deep Penetration Agent/ VDPA), the final…and perfect!... choice as the new Darna is Liza Soberano. This piece of ‘breaking news’ should put a period to the prolonged guessing game who the next flying woman would be, with names such as Kathryn Bernardo, Jessy Mendiola, Nadine Lustre, Pia Wurtzbach and even Sarah Geronimo thrown into the tambiolo. ‘The Kapamilya actress is now undergoing intense training,’ added the VDPA. ‘The training is being done in a secret place so that there won’t be any ‘leak’.’ To get an idea how Liza would look at Darna, Funfare requested our artist to superimpose her pretty face
on the Darna-clad body of Angel Locsin, one of the actresses who have played the legendary heroine (the last having been Marian Rivera). Doesn’t Liza look the perfect modern-day Darna? Meanwhile, Liza will play the lead role in a Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK) episode featuring Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach’s life. A source from ABS-CBN confirmed to Philstar.com on Tuesday that Liza will portray the life of the former beauty queen. Liza’s co-actors also took to Instagram to confirm the episode featuring “Queen P.” In her Instagram account, singer and actress Zsa Zsa Padilla posted photos of her and coactors Liza and Lee O’Brian during their shoot for the MMK episode. One post was dedicated to Liza. “My first time to act with this pretty lady! I must admit, it was hard focusing on my lines while looking at her beautiful face. Who knew such beauty could be distracting? But she’s such an amazing actor and pretty soon, I felt like I was talking to my very own daughter. Please watch out for MMK featuring the life story of Pia Wurtzbach,” Zsa Zsa wrote. Actors Lee and Fifth Solomon Pagotan also shared a photo during their shoot. News about Liza’s role came after a Facebook fan page posted a photo of the actress similar to Pia’s shoot. The same post said the MMK episode on Pia will be shown in June. Pia previously said Liza has the making of a beauty queen.
IT is only a matter of time until Kylie Padilla gives birth to her first born with fiancé Aljur Abrenica. Her due date is in July, and grandfatherto-be Robin Padilla is being there for his daughter every step of the way. The 47-year-old actor proudly shared with ManilaTimes his excitement at a sidelines chat. “Lalo na sa edad ko… Doon nga sa anak ko tuwang tuwa ako eh, lalo na siguro sa apo ko! Kasi dumating iyan sa panahon na nasa prime ka pa at napakasarap na may dala ka sa
magkabila.” Thanks to Robin’s wife Mariel Rodriguez, Kylie is getting through her pregnancy quite easily. Mariel is guiding Kylie on how to be a firsttime mom. “Sila ni Mariel magkausap mula umaga hanggang gabi, araw-araw iyan!” he enthused. On another note, the action star also expressed his concern over his good friend and Megastar Sharon Cuneta’s sudden solo trip abroad because of exhaustion and personal troubles. “Susundan ko sana siya eh, kung
(Left photo) Robin Padilla with daughter Isabella. (Right photo) Kylie Padilla with Isabella.
Europe iyon, bawal kasi ako sa Amerika, pero nasabi ko na sa kanya
ang mga gusto ko sabihin at alam na niya iyon.” He shared.
Marian Rivera: Happy wife, happy life
By Bot
Glorioso Philstar.com
FRESH from a five-day vacation in Spain with husband Dingdong Dantes and daughter Maria Letizia, Marian Rivera appears before entertainment reporters at the press con for GMA 7’s Tadhana with a glowing aura. Her figure is stunning and can certainly leave women envious. Breastfeeding her now one-and-a-half-year-old Baby Zia, she says, keeps her weight at a controlled level. One writer also points out that her having a perfect marital relationship is the source of her being a happy and contented wife. Although she appreciates the positive remark, the Kapuso actress believes there is no such thing as perfect, including relationships. “No, there’s no perfect relationship pero pwedeng close to perfect kung tayong dalawa na magkarelasyon ay nagkakaintindihan at higit lalo pag nagmamahalan,” Marian says. Oftentimes, having a child binds a couple stronger and Marian agrees with it when asked to assess her and Dingdong’s jump from a twosome to a family. She opines, “It’s much different when a couple already have a child, especially when they are married. They have to meet half way in order to agree on a certain situation or decision. Kung di pa kasi kasal, may mga arte-arte pa yan but once the
couple got married and bore a child, they would each make adjustments to smooth things out. Pwede namang pag-usapan ang mga bagay (for them) to stick together.” Is she a submissive wife? “Yes, I am. Bilang ilaw ng tahanan lahat gagawin ko para sa pamilya. I’ll protect them, take care of them and I will do everything for the sake of my family, especially for my daughter. Alam ni Dong yan na puro siZia talaga ako.” That’s why constant communication is a must in any relationship. Marian shares she and Dingdong often talk and their respective schedules, either at home or work, are laid out on the table. “We are very open to each other at bilang respeto na din, one knows what the other does kaysa naman magugulat na lang siya na host pala ako ng Tadhana.” With her positive outlook in life, the 32-year-old actress is visibly unaffected even if her name was dragged into controversies the past several weeks. She downplays talks about the authenticity issue of the branded shirt she was wearing in the picture that she posted on social media. “It’s just a T-shirt. So, it’s not a big deal. For me, it’s wrong to judge people (based on) the clothes they wear. Hindi ito sukatan ng pagkatao mo.” But Marian admires people
Marian Rivera with daughter Zia and husband Dingdong Dantes
who are willing to do everything for the welfare of their loved ones, never mind if it means working miles away, and even in foreign lands, just to put food on the table. That’s why Marian is fitting to host Tadhana, the GMA News and Public Affairs that tells stories of Pinoys working abroad. “When the show was first offered to me, I asked myself if I
could do it. This is my first time to be a storyteller and so I said, ‘Why not accept it since the theme is about OFWs.’ It is no secret that my mother also worked abroad. Nagtiis syang malayo sa akin at lumaki ako sa pag-aalaga ng lola ko. For me, the OFWs are the modern-day heroes because they are willing to make sacrifices for their family.”
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