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Volume10 – Issue 32 • 16 Pages
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Duterte ‘can’t promise’ he’ll accept Filipina murdered in Walnut Creek, Calif. Trump’s White House invitation DATELINE
USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
A FILIPINA was fatally shot in the East Bay on Thursday, April 27 by a man she was dating for the past two years, according to police. Roselyn Policarpio, 47, was walking near the Lindsey Wildlife Experience in Walnut Creek, California around 1:30 p.m. before she was shot four times by Gregory Prokopowicz. The 38-year-old suspect fled the scene but was found hours later in the city of Martinez sitting in the passenger’s seat of a Mercedes, wherein he barricaded himself. The driver of the vehicle was briefly detained, but was released after being interviewed. Prokopowicz was arrested on Friday afternoon following a 19-hour standoff with a police SWAT team. He was in the possession of a gun and knives and was high on drugs, various reports said. Prokopowicz was charged with first-degree murder on Tuesday, May 2, according to the Contra Costa County district attorney’s office. He entered a plea of not guilty on Wednesday, May 3. Policarpio reportedly had plans to see her 25-year-old son, Don, on Thursday afternoon, according to the East Bay Times. When Don called her cellphone about 10 minutes after the shooting, Prokopowicz answered. “You’ll never be able to speak to your mom again. I killed her,” the suspect said, as relayed by Don to the news outlet. Policarpio, who migrated from the Philip-
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte said he’s still unsure if he will accept United States President Donald Trump’s invitation to visit the White House. In a chance interview on Monday, May 1, Duterte said he’s hesitant to
make commitments because he is “tied up” with a busy schedule. “I cannot make any definite promise,” Duterte told reporters in Davao City. “I’m supposed to go to Russia, supposed to go to Israel.” Duterte is scheduled to visit Russia at the end of May to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Information about his Israel trip, meanwhile, has yet
to be released. During a “friendly” phone call on Saturday, April 29‚—after the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit’s closing ceremonies—Trump invited Duterte to the White House and reiterated his commitment to the PHU.S. alliance. The American president reportedly extended his invitation to Duterte
to discuss the importance of the two countries’ relationship, which the White House said is “heading in a very positive direction.” Malacañang also confirmed the invitation in a statement. “The ambit of the conversation between the two leaders includes the expression of commitment of U.S.
DFA spokesman Robespierre Bolivar
DFA to Beijing: Pag-asa Island is ours’ by JAIME
R. PILAPIL ManilaTiames.net
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Two Fil-Ams elected to Cerritos City Council IN an unprecedented move, the City of Cerritos, California has elected two Filipino Americans to its city council. On Wednesday, April 26, current Cerritos Councilmember and former Mayor Mark Pulido and newly-elected Frank Aurelio Yokoyama were inducted at a Mayoral Transition ceremony in the Cerritos City Council Chambers as two of the city’s council members. Pulido, a lifelong Cerritos resident, was re-elected for a second term while Yokoyama — who is half Filipino and half JapaneseAmerican — has finally won a seat on the city council after a few unsuccessful past campaigns. “Thank you, Cerritos voters, for giving me the chance to serve my hometown, to serve you,” Yokoyama, an attorney, remarked at the special meeting. “I will work hard for you, I will do my best for you, thank you.” Another “homegrown son of Cerritos”, Yokoyama was a member of the Cerritos Planning Commission as well as a real estate broker, a local business owner and a youth basketball and soccer coach. Pulido praised Yokoyama’s win and regards him as a close friend. In an interview after the ceremony, Pulido told the Asian Journal that he is once again is looking for-
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This handout photo taken and released on May 1, 2017 by the Presidential Photographers Division (PPD) shows Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte standing in front of Philippine and Chinese national flags during a tour of the Chinese guided missile frigate Changchun berthed at the Davao international port on Monday, May 1. Duterte visited Chinese warships docked in his home town and raised the prospect of future joint exercises, highlighting fast-warming relations despite competing claims in the South China Sea. Malacañang photo by Simeon Celi
Pulse Asia: Filipinos trust US most China, Russia earn lowest scores by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
THE United States remains to be one of the most trusted countries by Filipinos, according to a recent survey by Pulse Asia. Figures from the poll show that 79 percent of Filipinos said they trust the U.S. while 20 percent expressed distrust — a relatively better score compared to the 76 percent trust and 20 percent distrust rates in December last year. Next to the U.S., Filipinos expressed trust towards Japan, Australia, and Great Britain (United Kingdom), earning trust rates of 75 percent, 69 percent, and 53 percent respectively. China and Russia, meanwhile,
ranked lowest in the survey, with distrust rates of 63 percent and 56 percent respectively. Only 37 percent of the respondents said they trust China. On the other hand, Russia got 42 percent trust rate, jumping from the previous score of 38 percent. The poll, with an error margin of plus or minus three, was conducted from March 15 to 20 among a total of 1,200 respondents. On Tuesday, May 2, Malacañang said China and Russia’s low trust rates are not surprising at all. “That’s par for the course,” Philippine Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a
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TORRES-TUPAS
Inquirer.net
RAMIL Comendador—a 35-year-old husband and father of two who worked as a janitor and then legal researcher at the Commission on Elections (Comelec)—said he could not believe how lucky he was to pass the 2016 bar examination. “Napakaswerte ko po,” he said. “Di
THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday, May 2, issued a strong statement dismissing the claim of Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua that the Philippines’ planned improvement works at Pag-asa Island would be illegal. “Pag-asa Island and the larger Kalayaan Island Group are a municipality of Palawan,” DFA spokesman Robespierre Bolivar told reporters. “Any visit or activity we undertake there
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CA rejects Gina Lopez appointment as DENR chief by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
THE Commission on Appointments (CA) rejected the ad interim appointment of Environment Secretary Gina Lopez on Wednesday, May 3. Lopez’s rejection came after three confirmation hearings questioning the legalities of her orders, particularly against mining companies. Earlier in February, Lopez ordered the closure of 23 companies and the suspension of five others. Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Chair of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources of the Commission on Appointments (CA) welcomes Environment She also ordered the cancellaand Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez before the resumption of the CA tion of 75 mineral production sharing agreements (MPSAs) in hearing on her ad interim appointment on Tuesday, May 2. Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo
Comelec janitor-turned-researcher passes 2016 bar examination by TETCH
35-year-old Ramil Commendador (left) who is an election assistant in the poll body and is now among the new batch of lawyers who passed the Bar Exams 2016. Philstar.com photo
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ko nga po alam kung paano ko pasasalamatan ang Panginoon talaga at yung mga taong nagbigay ng lakas sa akin.” (“I’m so lucky. I don’t know how to thank the Lord and all those people who gave me strength.”) “I am number 914,” he said pointing at the list of passers. “Sana po wala akong kapangalan,” he
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ADB: Brash Duterte no match for able PH economy by BEN
O. DE VERA Inquirer.net
and vigorous contributions from both public and private sectors. YOKOHAMA, Japan—De“Some political turbulence spite a firebrand President were a little bit worrisome Duterte setting off political ex- but despite this situation, our plosives here and abroad, Ma- growth rate forecast for the nila-based Asian Development Philippines will continue,” Bank (ADB) sees the Philippine Yasuyuki Sawada, ADB chief economy sustaining its growth economist, told a press briefon strong consumer spending
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A MAY 5-11, 2017 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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From the Front Page
Duterte ‘can’t promise’... PAGE A1 t President Trump to the PH-U.S. alliance and his interest in developing a warm, working relationship with President Duterte,” Philippine Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella disclosed on Sunday, April 30. Abella said Trump also expressed his “understanding and appreciation of the challenges facing the Philippine president, especially on the matter of dangerous drugs.” No further details regarding the date of the visit, however, have been released. According to the White House, the two leaders tackled the ASEAN’s concerns regarding regional security, including the rising tension in Korean Peninsula. “They also discussed the fact that the Philippine government is fighting very hard to rid its country of drugs, a scourge that affects HARD LABOR. Workers create a steel pillar for the Skyway Stage 3 project along Araneta Ave. in Quezon City. The project that will many countries throughout the connect the North and South Luzon expressways is expected to be finished in 2019. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan world,” the White House said in a statement. It said Trump is also “looking ties on Pag-asa Island, including forward” to the upcoming East the repair of an airstrip. Lorenzana had pointed to ChiPAGE A1 t Zhao, in response to questions na’s extensive development of are part and parcel of our con- from reporters, uttered the con- Subi Reef. Satellite images have stitutional mandate to ensure the troversial statement while Presi- shown anti-aircraft guns and safety, well-being, and livelihood dent Rodrigo Duterte was touring weapons systems on the reef, of our citizens living in this mu- three Chinese warships that vis- which is being claimed by Taiwan, PAGE A1 t watersheds and the banning of nicipality,” he asserted. ited Davao City on Monday, May Vietnam, and the Philippines. China’s envoy Zhao said Mon- 1. China has sparked regional “prospective” open-pit mines in day, May 1 that “we view the oc“It’s common practice. In our concern by turning reefs and the country. In a media briefing shortly after cupation by the Philippine side of position, we have the ownership shoals in contested areas into arthose islands as illegal. And so the of those islands and reefs. And tificial islands, installing military the announcement of her appointbuildings on it are also illegal.” whichever airplanes or aircraft facilities and airstrips on some of ment’s rejection, Lopez grieved at how business interests supposedly Pag-asa Island is the largest of intrude, we will give them warn- them. the islands under the municipality ings,” said Zhao. Duterte, elected last year, has affected the CA’s decision. According to her, 16 CA memof Kalayaan, which was created in It was Defense Secretary Delfin distanced himself from traditional 1978. The town, which has 180 Lorenzana, during his visit to Pag- longtime ally the United States. bers voted against her while only residents, has a complete political asa Island last month with military He has played down the country’s eight voted in her favor. “It’s very sad that in the Comstructure. The town center is on generals, who announced that the territorial dispute with China in Pag-asa Island, which China calls government had earmarked at favor of seeking greater economic mission on Appointments, clearly, “Thitu.” least P1 billion to improve faciliu PAGE A3 business interest have run the day. And I think that needs to be reevaluated because how can a illegal drugs. body, which is mandated to make “[The] renewed ties with Rus- decisions based on the common sia and China provide a healthy good, make decisions based on PAGE A1 t pine President Rodrigo Duterte opportunity to appreciate and business interests?” Lopez said. is “breaking free” from such understand these two countries,” For her, such officials influenced statement. by business interests have “lost According to Abella, people negative thinking against China Abella said. “Our enhanced relations with the moral ascendancy to rule the have been taught to think poorly and Russia. In a stunning diplomatic turn- China and Russia will bolster our government.” of China and Russia for such a around, Duterte, who assumed international relations and give “Who suffers if you kill the envilong time. “After all these years, we’ve the presidency in June last year, us more room to grow, expand, ronment? It’s the poor. And whose been programmed to think these has been exerting efforts to pur- and become more rooted as we duty is it to protect our people? sue warmer ties with China and get to know ourselves better as a It’s the government and when you are the enemies,” he said. Abella, however, pointed out Beijing while blasting the U.S. for nation in a community of nations,” make decisions based on business interests, you have shirked your that the administration of Philip- criticizing his campaign against he added.
DFA to Beijing: Pag-asa Island...
Asia Summit and the U.S.-ASEAN Summit, which will be held in November in the Philippines. Asked for more details about his recent phone call with Trump, Duterte, who is also the chairperson of this year’s ASEAN, said he told the U.S. leader about the Philippines and the Southeast Asian region’s concerns over the rising tension in Korean Peninsula. “It’s the concern of everybody. Not only with us, both the ASEAN guys. The heads of states also expressed their fear of an outbreak of the threat of a nuclear warhead,” Duterte said. Tensions have been rising in the area amid fears of North Korea’s further possible missile or nuclear activities, with the U.S. threatening to stage a military attack against Pyongyang over its weapons tests. While Duterte agreed that the U.S. has a “persuasive power,” he still urged Washington to show restraint in dealing with North Korea. “I just said, ‘We’re concerned. I suppose you have your per-
suasive power. There has to be sense somewhere, Mr. President (Trump). I don’t think you can scare (North Korean Leader) Kim Jong-un with firepower,’” Duterte recalled telling Trump. Recognizing that China can serve as a mediator between Washington and Pyongyang, the Philippine president added: “Our greatest chance there of getting some dialogue with America and North Korea would be through the intercession of China.” Condemn, not invite While Duterte has yet to officially accept Trump’s invitation to visit the White House, international critics have expressed alarm over the reported offer, saying that Washington should instead condemn the Philippine leader’s war against illegal drugs that resulted in thousands of deaths. “Countries with bilateral ties to the Philippines, particularly the United States, have an obligation to urge accountability for the victims of Duterte’s abusive drug war, rather than offer to roll out the red carpet for official state visits by its mastermind,” Human Rights Watch Deputy Director Phelim Kine said in a statement.
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CA rejects Gina Lopez...
Pulse Asia: Filipinos trust...
responsibility,” Lopez stressed. “You have lost the moral ascendancy to rule the government because to you, business and money is more important than the welfare of the people,” she further added. In jest, Lopez even suggested that President Rodrigo Duterte himself should replace her as Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) chief. “My choice for DENR Secretary is President Duterte,” she said. “I can’t think of any other person. One, it needs guts, it needs tapang because you have to step on business interests…” Lopez is Duterte’s second cabinet official rejected by the CA. The bicameral body earlier rejected Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. over citizenship issues. She was also bypassed by the CA last month but Duterte reappointed her. Senator Manny Pacquiao, who led the confirmation hearings, expressed admiration for Lopez’s “passion and love for the environment.”
“I believe in my heart that no matter how several big people may be against Gina, she will always stand by what she believes is morally and environmentally right and righteous,” he said. Following Lopez’s rejection, Malacañang expressed ‘deep concern’ over the the bicameral body’s decision. “She has contributed a lot of meaningful insights into the environment and Philippine environmental situation. It is of course — it is with deep concern that the CA has seen fit to reject her appointment,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement. Abella, however, clarified, that Malacañang respects the CA’s judgment. “On the other hand, it is a democratic process and we respect their decision. At this stage, we will leave it at that,” he added. Asked about a possible replacement for the DENR chief post, Abella said the Office of the President has yet to make an announcement.
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From the Front Page
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 5-11, 2017
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Filipina murdered in Walnut Creek...
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LIGHT MOMENT. Senators Nancy Binay and Loren Legarda share a light moment with Manila Auxillary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines - Episcopal Commission on the Laity on Wednesday, May 3. Senate photo
Two Fil-Ams elected to Cerritos...
Frank Aurelio Yokoyama
Mark Pulido
ward to having another Fil-Am serving on the city council. “We happen to be Americans of Filipino ancestry who are participating in the American democratic process to provide leadership for our respective communities,” Pulido — who became the city’s first FilipinoAmerican mayor in 2014 — remarked. “That’s really the story here: that [Filipino Americans] are now becoming a part of governing the community, not just being civically engaged. We’re now responsible for governing and making the important decisions for the betterment of all people in our community.” Acknowledging the induction of another Fil-Am councilmember, Pulido said he’s “grateful for the opportunity to serve as a role model for Filipino American youth” to encourage them to become more involved in partici-
pating in government. The diverse community of Cerritos is home to more than 49,000 residents, with about 9,000 of them being Filipino residents. Since first being elected to the Cerritos City Council in 2011, Pulido has become an important figure in the city, which is gradually becoming more and more diverse. After his first stint on the city council, Pulido served as mayor pro tempore in 2013-2014, mayor in 2014 and was re-elected to the Cerritos City Council in 2015. Additionally, he was mayor pro tempore in 2017. “It’s truly a testament to the commitment and persistence of the Filipino-American community who lifted me up every time to have a seat at the table and to be able to voice our community’s concerns,” Pulido expressed. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
AJPress file photo by Ding Carreon
Comelec janitor-turned-researcher... PAGE A1 t added laughing. (“I hope I don’t have a namesake.”) He said he was a high school graduate when he started working in the private sector. He got married and had two children, now aged four and eight. Comendador said he aspired to continue his studies to at least be on the same level as his wife, who is an engineer. He worked as a janitor at the Comelec from 2007 to 2010. He then took an eligibility examination and was admitted as legal researcher. In 2011, he entered law school using his Comelec salary for his tuition. He said his
wife helped with the household expenses. While reviewing, he said he got sick and was hospitalized. His condition did not deter him from studying. “I took my reviewers with me,” he said. Three months before the examination, he said he rented a small room near his house to concentrate with his studies. “I studied from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” he said adding. After studying he would go home to cook dinner for for his family. He advised all aspiring lawyers to have faith and never let anything get in the way of their achieving their dream. n
DFA to Beijing: Pag-asa Island... PAGE A2 t
aid and investment from Beijing. A statement issued after the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit in Manila merely took note of “concerns expressed by some leaders over recent developments in the area.” It also ignored last year’s international ruling outlawing China’s sweeping claims to the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). Asean members the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei claim parts of the waterway, but China insists it has sovereign rights over nearly all of it. Foreign Affairs Executive Director Zaldy Patron said not one of the Asean leaders “strongly pushed” against China’s militarization and reclamation activities. He said the Asean chairman’s statement was also silent on the ruling of the United Nationsbacked arbitral tribunal that favored the Philippines in its case against China because there was no consensus among members of the bloc. “There is no mention of arbitration because last year, even last year in Vientiane, there was no consensus to have it reflected in any of the Asean statements,”
Patron said. “During the Plenary and Summit, there was no leader that mentioned inclusion or made reference to land reclamation, militarization and arbitration. So that was what we are trying to reflect in the Chairman’s statement,” he added. What the leaders highlighted, he said, were the efforts of the Asean and China to strengthen cooperation and repair ties that have been frayed by the sea row. ‘Harassment reports unverified’ Zhao downplayed reports from Filipino fishermen about being harassed by Chinese vessels in March over the disputed waters, particularly in the Union Banks of the Kalayaan group. “I think the reports of harassment have never been verified. It is only reports. I haven’t seen any hard evidence supporting that allegation,” Zhao said. Sino-Philippine relations remain strong as shown by multimillion dollar infrastructure projects, Zhao said. “I don’t think that the small issues will affect the overall direction of our bilateral relationship,” the Chinese ambassador said. (With AFP)
Photo from a GoFundMe page shows Roselyn Policarpio (center) with her four children. Policarpio was fatally shot on Thursday, April 27 by Gregory Prokopowicz in Walnut Creek, California. Photo courtesy of the Policarpio family
went back to him. She had planned to break up with Prokopowicz the day she was murdered, according to her son Don. Policarpio’s family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for her funeral expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/rose-
ADB: Brash Duterte no match... The gross domestic product (GDP) grew 6.9 percent in ing ahead of the multilateral 2016, among the fastest in the lender’s 50th annual meeting region. The ADB’s forecast for 2017 is below the government’ today. In its Asian Development Out- 6.5-7.5 percent growth target. The ADB had noted that prilook 2017 report released last month, the ADB maintained its vate consumption accounted 6.4-percent economic growth for almost 70 percent of the projection for the Philippines country’s GDP. Moving forward, “domestic for this year, “reflecting in part the high base effect from last consumption and domestic inyear’s figure but also rising vestment are sound to support commodity prices that could quite a robust growth rate in the Philippines,” Sawada said. affect domestic demand.”
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pines in 2008 with her then-husband, daughter and three sons, was described as having a “gentle and quiet spirit,” according to McAfee’s chief human resources officer, Chatelle Lynch. The Filipina was employed at the software company for a year about six years ago. She subsequently worked at the American College of Nursing in Concord, California, where she met Prokopowicz, who was a student there. The two entered into a romantic relationship, and family members began to notice behavioral changes in Policarpio. The couple eventually moved to Anchorage, Alaska in January 2016. However, Policarpio told her children that the relationship turned violent and fled back to California in July. According to interviews with family members, Prokopowicz returned to Walnut Creek soon after and Policarpio
Sawada said the trend was the same across Asia—economies have become more reliant on domestic investment and consumption than on external demand as slow global economic growth has been dampening exports performance alongside protectionist policies looming in the horizon. Sawada said free trade was “good for all countries,” hence the ADB would be leaning toward a more open trade regime.
lyn-policarpio-funeral. As of this writing, the page has raised nearly half of the $8,000 goal. “Justice will come soon,” the page says. “The aim of the campaign is to raise funds to give Roselyn the decent and proper last rites she deserves.” (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress) For 2018, the ADB projected a Philippine GDP expansion of 6.6 percent, also lower than the government target range of 7-8 percent. In its 2017 report, the ADB attributed its higher 2018 forecast to “government plans to further ramp up public infrastructure investment.” “Services—including business process outsourcing and tourism—will remain a growth driver, while inflation will likely edge up but remain within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas target of 2-4 percent,” it said. n
A MAY 5-11, 2017 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
Governor Cuomo unveils ‘Asian Americans in New York’ exhibit
Dateline USa
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Exhibit Recognizes Fil-Am Judge Lorna Schofield, among with other Asian-American Trailblazers in the Fields of Leadership and Civic Engagement, Community Health, Law, Higher Education, and Science
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo unveiled an exhibit Tuesday, May 2 honoring the legacy of five Asian American leaders, located in the State Capitol, and announced that May is Asian American and Pacific Islander month. The exhibit, “Asian Americans in new York: United our voices by Speaking Together,” depicts the history of Asian Americans in new York, their ability to overcome misconceptions and wrongful stereotypes, and to ultimately improve the lives and communities around them. The exhibit is located in the War room on the second floor of the new York State Capitol and will run through the end of May. “new York is shaped by the rich and diverse cultures that call it home, and this exhibit honors the immense contributions of leaders from the Asian American community,” Governor Cuomo said. “These trailblazers have
left a remarkable imprint on their communities and beyond, and because of their vast accomplishments, new York is all the better. on behalf of all new Yorkers, I am proud to honor their legacy and celebrate the countless contributions of the Asian American community.” The new exhibit honors five new Yorkers of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage who have worked collectively to achieve success in the fields of leadership and civic engagement, community health, law, higher education, and science. Their contributions strengthen communities across the state and add to the state’s rich social and cultural diversity. Among the five Asian-American leaders being recognized for their accomplishments is Hon. Lorna G. Schofield, U.S. District Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of new York. Judge Scho-
Duterte ‘can’t promise’... PAGE A2 t Duterte has been accused of committing “crime[s] against humanity” by different local and international groups, such as the United nations and Amnesty International, over the alleged spate of summary killings linked in his drug war since assuming the presidency last June The Philippine government, for its part, has repeatedly denied that the over 8,000 deaths are state sanctioned. Former U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby also criticized the invite, saying that it caused Washington to miss its chance to raise concerns about the “manner in which Duterte is running his own country.” “Well, he got a call this weekend from President Trump, which on the face of it isn’t a bad thing. There’s a lot to talk about. except the president doesn’t appear to have used this opportunity to raise any concerns about the manner in which Duterte is running his own country, violating the human rights of his own citizens or
treating his best ally, the United States,” Kirby wrote in an opinion piece published by Cnn. He also argued that giving Duterte the chance of a White House meeting is equal to “denigrat[ing] the rule of law and to spit in the face of the thousands of innocent Filipinos who have suffered under Duterte’s jackboot.” At the same time, Trump reportedly didn’t inform the U.S. State Department beforehand about the invite, which is likely a breaking of diplomatic protocol. “[I]t is a little unusual that this kind of invitation wouldn’t have been prepared ahead of time as part of his talking points. The reports indicate that it came as a surprise, not only to the State Department but to some people on the national Security Council and the White House as well,” said David Kramer, who served as former assistant secretary of state for human rights during the George W. Bush administration. Defending Trump’s invitation to Duterte, White House chief of
field is the nation’s first, and only, Filipino American Article III federal judge. The other trailblazers are: Dr. Yung Duk Kim: Former president and chief executive officer of Hyundai Corporation, who has dedicated himself to support leadership, political engagement, and cultural pride in the new York Korean American community; Setsuko “Suki” Terada Ports, community activist who has improved access to quality health care related to AIDS in low-income and minority communities; Dr. Satish K. Tripathi, University of Buffalo President and a respected computer scientist raised India and Dr. ChienShiung Wu, Chinese American nuclear physicist who contributed to the Manhattan Project and made history with an experiment contradicting scientific beliefs. The Asian American and Pacific Islander exhibit is free and open to the public. n staff reince Priebus said that the cooperation of the Philippines is greatly needed in countering north Korea. “There is nothing right now facing this country and facing the region that is a bigger threat than what’s happening in north Korea,” White House chief of staff reince Priebus told ABC’s “This Week.” Priebus clarified that reaching out to Duterte “doesn’t mean that human rights don’t matter.” “But what it does mean is that the issues facing us developing out of north Korea are so serious that we need cooperation at some level with as many partners in the area as we can get to make sure we have our ducks in a row,” the chief of staff explained. Following the U.S. official’s statement, the United nations (Un) expressed hope that Trump would remind Duterte his duty of promoting human rights. “So one hopes the message will be very clear and undiluted from the President of United States to the President of the Philippines,” U.n. human rights chief Zeid ra’ad al-Hussein said in a press briefing. n
BIGGEST SALAD BOWL. Twenty chefs of MTC Colleges under the supervision of Chef Minor Delmundo prepare Western Visayas’ biggest salad bowl during the opening of the Weekend Tienda sa Iloilo at the Atria Park District in Mandurriao. Photo from pia.gov.ph
Pres. Trump proposes major tax cuts for individuals, businesses by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
DUrInG his 2016 presidential campaign, President Donald Trump vowed to implement major reforms to the tax code by simplifying the system, and this week, he did just that. on Wednesday, April 26, the White House announced the president’s highly anticipated tax reforms which represent the president’s campaign economic promises: reducing the amount of tax brackets for individuals, slashing the top tax rate for businesses and implementing a territorial tax system among other changes that would affect virtually every American. Trump lacked to include specifics in the one-page document outlining the reforms, but what’s clear is that the administration is set on a major overhaul of the tax code reminiscent of the tax code renovation undergone during the reagan administration. “We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to do something really big,” Director of the national economic Council Gary Cohn said at a White House press briefing on Wednesday. “President Trump has made tax reform a priority, and we have a republican Congress that wants
to get it done. And this is something that, quite honestly, I hope the Democrats would support, too, because it’s good for the American people.” Cohn added: “The President is going to seize this opportunity by leading the most significant tax reform legislation since 1986, and one of the biggest tax cuts in history.” Under Trump’s plan, the seven existing individual income tax brackets would be reduced to three brackets with new rates that are dependent on a person’s income level: 10 percent, 25 percent and 35 percent. The proposal would also almost double a deduction that would reduce taxable income, incentivizing Americans to skip itemizing their tax returns and opt for a larger deduction. Additionally, the corporate tax rate will be lowered from 35 percent to 15 percent; additionally, smaller businesses would also be subjected to the 15 percent rate. The plan would also repeal a slew of taxes including the Alternative Minimum Tax, the estate tax and the 3.8 percent Medicare surtax. Also present at the press conference was Secretary of Trea-
President Donald Trump
sury Steve Mnuchin, who expressed that the administration’s mission is “to make U.S. businesses the most competitive in the world.” “We believe we can get back to 3 percent or higher GDP that is sustainable in this country, The overall economic plan consists of massive tax cuts and tax reform, regulatory relief, and renegotiating trade deals. And with that, we will unlock the economic growth that’s been held back for too long in this country,” Mnuchin said. n
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 5-11, 2017
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ASEAN’s final statement mum on arbitral ruling, China island-construction The Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASeAN) wrapped up its 30th summit over the weekend by releasing a final statement that failed to mention Manila’s historic arbitral victory against Beijing in the South China Sea. The 25-paged statement issued on Saturday, April 29 by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte as this year’s ASeAN chair was also silent regarding China’s “militarization” in the disputed waters. In July 2016, the UN-backed arbitral tribunal in The hague invalidated China’s expansive territorial claim in the sea. It also ruled that Chinese artificial islands along the Spratlys violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China, for its part, has repeatedly refused to honor the ruling. Although it did not directly mentioned the ruling, ASeAN, however, seemingly made a vague reference to China’s reclamation and installation of military facilities in the South China Sea as “recent developments in the area.” The statement said that it “took note of concerns” that leaders have expressed. It further added, “We reaffirmed the importance of the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercising self-restraint in the conduct of activities, and avoiding actions that may further complicate the situation, and pursuing peaceful resolution of disputes, without resorting to the threat or use of force.” The drop of the arbitral court ruling is apparently expected. Days before the summit, Duterte said that the topic will not be discussed in the summit since the matter is “only between Manila and Beijing.” While saying that the ruling is a non-issue at the ASeAN summit, the Philippine president, however, highlighted the importance of finishing a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea.
Apart from the Philippines, ASeAN member-countries Vietnam, Brunei, Taiwan and Malaysia also have competing maritime claims with China. The 10-member regional bloc, together with Beijing, is expected to finish this year a framework for a COC aimed to address issues concerning the disputed sea. In its final statement, ASeAN took note of its “improving cooperation [with] China.” ASeAN also “recognized the long-term benefits that would be gained from having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability and sustainable development.” Following Tuesday, May 2, China said it welcomed ASeAN’s softer stance on the controversial waters. Korean Peninsula issue Regarding the issues concerning the rising tension in Korean Peninsula, ASeAN reiterated “full support for the denuclearization” of the area and its call for “concerned parties to explore all avenues for immediate dialogue.” According to recent reports, the government of North Korea was seeking the support of Southeast Asian nations in its row with the United States. Tensions have been rising in the area amid fears of Pyongyang’s further possible missile or nuclear tests, with the U.S. and North Korea continuously exchanging heated rhetoric. For the past few months, Pyongyang has been conducting nuclear tests, alarming its neighboring countries. In a show of force, U.S. has been sending high-level strategic assets to the peninsula. “We expressed our grave concern over recent developments in the Korean Peninsula, including the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) two nuclear tests in 2016 and subsequent ballistic missile launches,” ASeAN said. According to the regional bloc,
North Korea’s actions “have resulted in an escalation of tensions that can affect peace and stability in the entire region.” It then urged the DPRK “to immediately comply fully with its obligations arising from all relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and stressed the importance of exercising self-restraint in the interest of maintaining peace, security and stability in the region and the world.” On other issues In its final remarks, ASeAN expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the Summits with Dialogue Partners last year. “We looked forward to commemorating milestone anniversaries of Dialogue Relations with Canada, the eU, India and the United States this year to add momentum to strengthening the existing partnerships,” it added. The regional bloc also welcomed the progress made in the realization of ASeAN Roll-on Roll-off (RORO) shipping network, which it said is “among the economic priority deliverables” under the Philippines’ chairmanship. The launch of its maiden voyage, routed between Davao, Philippines and Bitung, Indonesia, occurred on April 30. “The initiative would enhance the connectivity of archipelagic ASeAN and further facilitate trade and tourism, as well as provide greater impetus to the implementation of multimodal transport in the ASeAN region,” it said. ASeAN also reaffirmed its commitment to the ASeAN declaration on One ASeAN One Response, which is a collective response to disasters inside and outside of the region. Likewise, it reaffirmed its commitment to the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity and natural resources in the ASeAN region. (AJPress)
SUNSET CHASER. A child runs after the setting sun along the sands of San Jose, Antique.
ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma
PH escapes potential trade sanctions from US by Richmond
meRcuRio Philstar.com
The Philippines has escaped a potential imposition of trade sanctions by the United States, while other major Asian economies have been put at risk. President Donald Trump, under executive Order 13786, has ordered the US Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to come out with an Omnibus Report on Significant Trade Deficits that will identify US foreign trading partners with which it had a significant trade deficit in goods in 2016. In a notice released by the Office of the Federal Register, the Philippines was not included in the list despite the US having a trade deficit in goods with the country last year. Data from the US Census Bureau showed the US trade deficit with the Philippines in 2016 reached $1.78 billion. US trading partners on the list
are Canada, China, the european Union, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The US will assess the major causes of the trade deficit with the identified countries, including differential tariffs, non-tariff barriers, injurious dumping, injurious government subsidization, intellectual property theft, forced technology transfer, denial of worker rights and labor standards, and other factors contributing to the deficit. The US will also assess whether the trading partner is,“directly or indirectly imposing unequal burdens on, or unfairly discriminating in fact against, the commerce of the United States by law, regulation, or practice and thereby placing the commerce of the United States at an unfair disadvantage.” “It is good that we are not part of that list. I don’t know what the US will do, probably (impose trade) sanctions,” Trade Under-
secretary Ceferino Rodolfo said. “If US is going to impose certain remedial measures on what could allegedly be unfair measures that these countries are currently implementing, then in a relative sense, we will be more competitive to the US market vis-à-vis these countries,” he added. Rodolfo said the potential imposition of trade sanctions into these countries may force manufacturing investments wanting to export their products to the US to shift to new locations where no trade sanctions exist such as the Philippines. “For those countries identified, if ever they will be slapped with trade sanctions companies who are currently investing in them for manufacturing, using it as a base to export to the US, they will transfer. They will go south and that is where they will see us because countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand are also candidates for sanctions,” he said. n
Kobe Paras to return to Philippines after leaving Creighton
KOBe Paras will take his time to plot his next move in his young career. In a statement released by his high school team Middlebrooks, the 6-foot-6 prodigy will use the month to evalu-
ate “new collegiate opportunities.” The statement also said Paras will be coming back to the Philippines before flying to Canada for an event. Paras on Sunday announced
he is parting ways with Creighton University after just one season. he saw limited minutes with the Bluejays and only played 15 out of 35 games. he averaged 1.3 points and 1.0 rebounds.
Before playing for the United States, Paras was a standout from De La Salle-Greenhills. La Salle Sports Development executive Director emmanuel Calanog, in a separate interview, told Philstar.com that
they are keeping their doors open should Paras decided to suit up for them. “If plans do not work out there, La Salle will always welcome Kobe here and we are hopeful that he can also
consider us among his choices. For now, we are happy for him and we want him to see his potentials developed there, and most especially for his education,” he said. (Philstar.com)
A6 MAY 5-11, 2017 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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FEATURES
OPINION
Unified
OVER the weekend, leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened in Manila for the 30th ASEAN Summit with the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.” The 10-member countries also marked the regional bloc’s 50th anniversary, from starting as a loosely constructed regional association at the height of the Cold War to becoming a stable organization that has overcome a myriad of challenges that have come its way. Perhaps the biggest prize for ASEAN has been the preservation of peace, stability, prosperity and close relations among its members, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. This stable bond has propelled ASEAN’s economic growth and boost its international profile. As it continues its international organization, ASEAN envisions an integrated, peaceful, stable and resilient community that actively takes a leading role as a regional and global player in advancing political-security cooperation, sustainable economic growth and sociocultural development in its region and in the world. Under the chairmanship of the Philippines, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte led this year’s ASEAN Summit wherein he also engaged his fellow leaders in a dialogue to call for a united response against the illegal drug menace, which he said could destroy their societies as well.
“We must also be resolute in realizing a drugfree ASEAN. The scourge of illegal drugs threatens our gains in community building,” Dutere said in his opening remarks. Some ASEAN leaders expressed their support for Duterte’s war on drugs. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam said he shares the Philippines’ concerns on the devastating effects of drugs upon society, while Indonesian President Joko Widodo also supported the Philippine president’s resolve. Duterte also discussed other security threats facing the region including violent extremism, terrorism, piracy and armed robbery which he said were hampering regional growth and development. Despite these achievements, some political pundits have challenged the organization to grow economically and politically, to have a more dynamic ASEAN Code of Conduct and a facilitation of a deeper and more meaningful dialogue and consultation. However, in its Manila summit, there was no mention in the chairman’s statement of militarization or China’s vigorous island-building activities in the disputed waters. China asserts sovereignty on almost the entire South China Sea and has been aggressive over is-
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
sues on the territorial disputes. It has continuously rejected other nations’ claims (including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei) on the oiland gas-rich waters. Allies not only by common interests, but by shared values and aspirations among its people,
ASEAN will set precedents for creating solutions to global challenges. Despite obstacles set by other nations, ASEAN is moving forward to pursue higher goals, ones that will withstand the test of time, and assure regional peace and stability for its people. (AJPress)
The Duterte and Marcos US trips, a case of déjà vu
Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has been invited by President Donald Trump to the United States. I seem to have seen this scene before. A case of déjà vu. In September 1982, President Ferdinand Marcos made a state visit to the US, during the incumbency President Ronald Reagan, amid circumstances uncomfortably similar in many ways to that of Duterte’s forthcoming trip. Marcos had declared martial law ten years earlier, had full control of the government, and was routinely ass-licked by a compliant press. But he could do nothing about the international media that merrily broiled Marcos and the Philippines over hot coals. Here is what the New York Times wrote about the Marcos visit: “MANILA, Sept. 14— President Ferdinand E. Marcos left tonight for his first official visit in 16 years to the United States, the Philippines’ chief economic partner and military ally…. “Diplomatic and opposition sources here said they expected
that President Reagan might sound out Mr. Marcos on how he could insure a stable political transition from his authoritarian rule (writer’s note: Read that to mean “cut and cut clean.”). “Shortly before the Philippine leader’s departure, a demonstration against his rule was staged by some 2,000 people - workers, students and religious activists who gathered in front of Manila’s Roman Catholic cathedral in the Old City. “For three hours, the demonstrators chanted, prayed and otherwise voiced protests, charging that arrests of labor and youth leaders were continuing. Huge red banners branded the visit to the United States as ‘A National Betrayal’ and urged Filipinos to ‘Dismantle the U.S.-Marcos Dictatorship.’’’ And here’s what the same New York Daily wrote about Trump’s invitation to Duterte: “WASHINGTON — President Trump on Saturday invited the president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, to the White House, embracing an authoritarian leader who is accused of ordering extrajudicial killings of drug suspects and who crudely disparaged Mr. Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama...
reportage is benign compared to how the US media—particularly late night TV—will go to town on Duterte once he sets foot on American soil. In the first place, Duterte’s host, Trump, has become a virtual pin cushion for such late night show hosts as Stephen Colbert, as well as “Saturday Night Live.” Alec Baldwin’s riotous impersonation of Trump may yet be overshadowed by a Duterte look-alike and curse-alike. In a demented sense, Duterte may actually relish his international fame—nay, notoriety—but I frankly do not welcome the prospect of the president of the Philippines—and, by extension, the Philippines and the Filipino people—being the butt of jokes on international media. It’s one thing being portrayed as a human rights violator in the execution of his war on drugs. Pinoys can actually feel a sense of pride in being associated with a local version of Dirty Harry. But to become an international laughing stock is an entirely different thing. I don’t think any self-respecting Filipino will feel any pride in that. I certainly won’t. Even Donald Trump, as thickfaced and shameless as he is,
“In fact, Mr. Duterte’s war on drugs has resulted in the deaths of several thousand people suspected of using or selling narcotics, as well as others who may have had no involvement with drugs. Human rights groups and many Western governments have condemned Mr. Duterte for the bloody campaign.” With the imposition of martial law, Marcos had dismantled the media, particularly the Manila Times and the media empire of the Lopezes, consisting of the Manila Chronicle, ABS-CBN TV and a network of radio stations across the country. Is it déjà vu that Duterte has now declared that he will not renew the franchise of ABS-CBN? And doesn’t it seem familiar that the Philippine Daily Inquirer, a daily that Duterte considers antagonistic to him, is currently on his crosshairs? But, like Marcos, Duterte has no control over the Western media which has also been routinely broiling him over hot coals. The most that Duterte and his apologists could do about a recent New York Times article critical of the government was to label it “a well-paid hack job for well-heeled clients with shady motives.” But the current anti-Duterte
bristles at the TV parodies, especially those of Baldwin and Colbert. But there’s nothing Trump can do but to call media “fake” and find comfort in the cheers of his hardcore supporters. Unless Duterte’s communications specialists and apologists have resigned themselves to just brazening it (lilipas din ang kahihiyan—meaning, shame will pass), they will have to figure out how to, at least, balance or even just partly neutralize the inevitable tar-and-feather ordeal that Duterte will undergo – an ordeal that will rub off on Filipinos around the world. During the Marcos regime, there was no Facebook and no YouTube to spread the trashing, worldwide in an instant. Duterte’s formidable army of trolls and his loyal supporters may find themselves overwhelmed. Like Trump, the best that Duterte’s defenders can do is to shore up the spirits of the hardcore. But in those countries where Pinoys proliferate, the mischievous looks that they will get from others, as well as the snickers over private Duterte jokes, will not be funny. They could attribute the attacks to the “yellows” and label them “a well-paid hack job for
well-heeled clients with shady motives,” but that will be like shooting pellets at bazookas. Did I say this could be a case of déjà vu? Well, it is for me, personally. I was one of several advertising and PR executives conscripted by the late Greg Cendaña, Marcos’ Minister of Public Information, to act as advance party for the Marcos state visit and to field questions from the US media. The others were Leni Hontiveros, Joe Santamaria, Oscar Villadolid, Virgilio Pantaleon, Max Edralin, Charlie Agatep, Louie Morales, Greg Garcia, Tom Banguis, Quentin Pastrana and Emil Misa. It was the bright idea of then Philippine Ambassador to Washington Benjamin “Kokoy” Romualdez to have ad agency and PR men face the Western media, believing that we were more charming than the usual press brigade that accompanied official trips of the president. Romualdez was not necessarily right, but back then, if you were conscripted, you could only “cooperate.” But how to handle the expected barrage of punitive questions that the U.S. media would fire at us? On our first day in Washington DC, we were herded into
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Despite hostile media, DU30 wins over Trump
Opinion
FRANCISCO TATAD AS far as public perception is concerned, President Rodrigo Duterte scored big when U.S. President Donald Trump called last week to invite him to come to the White House for talks on the future of U.S.-Philippine relations. He was clearly the big winner. No timetable was set for the visit, but it could happen before Trump comes to Manila for the East Asia Summit and the U.S.-ASEAN Leaders Summit in November and after DU30 visits Beijing and Moscow this month. Trump also invited the Prime Ministers of Thailand and Singapore to come, but it’s his invitation to DU30 that has attracted the most reaction in Washington. The U.S. press was incredulous. They had been bashing DU30 for his brutal war on drugs, which was reported to have already killed some 8,000 drug suspects, without any documentation. Last December, the New York Times ran several
pages of photographs showing 57 victims of this drug war, under the headline, “They Are Slaughtering Us Like Animals.” These pictures just won the Pulitzer Prize for breaking news photography for Daniel Berelhulak, a free-lance photographer. After the Mindanao lawyer Jude Josue Sabio filed a 77-page “communication” before the International Criminal Court at The Hague accusing DU30 of killing 9,400 victims from 1988 up to the present, the NY Times suggested in an editorial that DU30 should be stopped, and that the ICC should act swiftly on the complaint. Bad news turns good Had Trump been listening to the U.S. press, he would have considered DU30 the last person on earth to invite to the White House. He was simply bad news. But Trump delights in never paying much attention to what the press says about him; in fact, his latest famous act visa-vis the Washington press has been to accuse it of fake news and to snub the annual White House correspondents’ dinner, where the U.S. President was the traditional honored guest.
Trump must have an extremely important reason for wanting to talk to DU30 before their November meeting for him to risk all negative reactions to it. The tone of the Times reporting was clearly condemnatory. It described Trump’s invitation as an “embrace” with a “murderous” president, who has killed thousands, and suggested that Trump brace himself not only for “an avalanche of criticism” from human rights groups, but even for some “internal” dissent from within his own government, notably the State Department and the National Security Council. It quoted John Sifton, Asia Advocacy Director of Human Rights Watch, as saying, “By essentially endorsing Duterte’s murderous war on drugs, Trump is now morally complicit in future killings. Although the traits of his personality likely make it impossible, Trump should be ashamed of himself.” It also quoted Democratic Senator Christopher Murphy of Connecticut, a member of the Senate foreign relations committee, as saying on Twitter, “We are watching in real time
as the American human rights bully pulpit disintegrates into ash.” The report sought to point out that “embracing” DU30 was part of Trump’s policy of getting close to questionable political characters like President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, whom he had congratulated earlier for winning in a disputed referendum, Egyptian leader Abdel Fattach el-Sisi, who had come to power through a coup, and of course Russian President Vladimir Putin. Bonded by adversity Clearly, the proposed meeting of the two Presidents will not make either of them any more “acceptable” to the American media than they are right now. But their common attitude towards the American media could be the starting point of a political bonding, which could be most helpful in constructing better security and economic ties between their two countries and, especially, in dealing with China. Closer and stronger ties between the US and China have become indispensable in the face of the troublesome nuclear threat posed by North Korea. After DU30 decided to
go easy on China on the South China Sea issue during the just-concluded ASEAN summit, Trump might have seen an opportunity to pursue a more vigorous modus vivendi with Beijing, through DU30’s good offices. This would allow him to continue whatever initiative he had wanted to pursue during his summit meeting with President Xi Jinping in Florida, which came under the shadow of his missile strike on Syria. DU30 as diplomat This could create a new role for DU30. Instead of chasing drug suspects and warding off charges of extra-judicial killing wherever he goes, he would now be shoehorned into the hitherto unfamiliar world of bigpower diplomacy. This is probably the break he really needs. It would certainly require a new presidential demeanor and a new presidential discourse; but the just-concluded ASEAN summit showed that he is capable of making the necessary adjustments, if and whenever needed. He even managed to dress right during the summit. In fact, without his apparently
being aware of it, he may have already begun his long-intended metamorphosis. He raised some eyebrows among the ASEAN heads when he decided to squeeze two state visits—one for the Sultan of Brunei and another for the President of Indonesia—into the run-up to the summit; but he calmly took it in stride when the Prime Minister of Singapore skipped the final ASEAN dinner and official picture-taking before the summit formally ended. Which means he’s learning fast on his feet. So far, he has said the right things about North Korea. He had sought to caution Trump not to threaten Kim Jong-un with nuclear firepower and risk an unpredictable response. These were among the most reasonable words coming from ASEAN, and Trump is probably right to exploit the possibility of cementing a deal with China and North Korea through DU30’s good offices. If that is indeed the real plan, it is hoped it finally works out. The play at sea The U.S. is an old and tested ally, but it may have some
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 5-11, 2017
Dateline PhiliPPines
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Cayetano to lead drug war defense before UN by aJPress ThE administration of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is set to defend its drug war and human rights record before the United Nations Commission on human Rights (UNChR) next week. The Philippine delegation to the Third Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review of the UN human Rights Council will be coheaded by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who is notably among Duterte’s staunchest ally. “[We will be] presenting the human rights report for their [UN’s] 3rd review, which is every three years,” Cayetano told reporters in an interview on Tuesday, May 2. The senator will be joined by Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra and Undersecretary Severo Catura, head of the presidential human rights committee. “Well, we’re always ready to defend our country, the president’s intentions, what’s happening in our country,” Cayetano said. The team is set to defend the Duterte administration on Monday, May 8 in Geneva, Switzerland but according to the senator, they are to leave Manila earlier on Thursday, May 4 to attend “side events.” Asked about the team’s objective, Cayetano responded: “Tell the truth. Tell the real numbers and tell the facts.”
Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano
Inquirer.net photo
“We believe after the presentation the wrong facts on the campaign against drugs will be clarified,” Cayetano said. The UN has repeatedly raised concerns over the alleged spate of summary killings linked with Duterte’s anti-illegal drugs campaign, which has reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 7,000 Filipinos from both legitimate police operations and vigilante-style or unexplained killings since he took office last June. Recently, the UN-linked In-
ternational Narcotics Control Board (INCB) condemned anew the supposed extrajudicial killings in the country, saying that “extrajudicial action, purportedly taken in pursuit of drug control objectives, is fundamentally contrary to the provisions and objectives” of international drug conventions. The INCB previously called on the Philippine government to put an “immediate stop” to the killings in August last year. Duterte, in response, has repeatedly lambasted the UN for allegedly interfering with the internal affairs of the Philippines. While Cayetano said they would not deny that there are indeed human rights violations, he maintained, however, that those are not state-sponsored. “We’re also honest that there are human rights violation[s], but [they are] not state-sponsored. We have to be careful to communicate to the world what’s really happening but to properly assign blame. Kailan pulis [ang] may kasalanan, kailan pusher ang may kasalanan (When is the police is at fault, when is the pusher at fault),” Cayetano explained. he further added, “huwag natin sabihin na walang pagkakamali ang pulis (Let’s not say that the police have not done anything wrong) but let’s not blame everything on the police or uniformed personnel, when it’s the drug lords pulling the strings.” n
The Duterte and Marcos US trips... PAGE A6 t a briefing room by the late Rod Reyes, who acted as Western press liaison for Malacañang, and we went through what PR practitioners call “confrontation training.” Anticipating every possible question from left field, we debated how to properly answer it. I recall that the most difficult question to dodge and parry had to do with then First Lady Imelda Marcos’s legendary extravagance and profligacy. The mischievous ones in our group actually suggested just throwing Imelda under the
bus. Even the Philippine embassy staff thought that was funny. But the best laid plans of mice and communications men were not enough to neutralize the hostile media reportage, made worse by the unbelievable ignorance of the U.S. press about the Philippines. This brings me back to the subject of Duterte’s visit to the White house. Why not do it in reverse. Why not have Trump visit Malacañang instead? After all, wasn’t it Trump who first broached the idea of a visit to the Philippines?
In Manila, Duterte will have the support of his army of trolls and apologists, and he will not be the only one that the media will parody (if they still dare). There’s Leila de Lima, Noynoy Aquino, Pantaleon Alvarez and Antonio Trillanes, to mention a few—and maybe, just maybe, in the Filipino tradition of hospitality and politeness when there are guests, Duterte’s media nemesis, ABS-CBN and Philippine Daily Inquirer, will be on their best behavior. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)
BEAUTIES FOR MENTAL HEALTH. Senator Risa Hontiveros (2nd from right) is flanked by mental health advocates (from left) Jerika Ejercito, Antoinette Taus and Miss International 2016, Kylie Versoza, who attended a Senate session Tuesday afternoon in support of the passage on third reading of the Mental Health Bill. Hontiveros thanked her colleagues for passing the measure, saying that with its passage, people with mental health needs “will no longer endure an invisible illness and an invisible war.” Senate photo by Albert Calvelo
Despite hostile media... PAGE A6 t catching up to do with DU30 as far as foreign and security relations are concerned. Ever since he announced his economic and military “separation” from Washington during his state visit to China last October, he has taken no concrete steps to implement that separation. The Mutual Defense Treaty, the Visiting Forces Agreement, and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement—the three treaties that define the Philippines’ defense and security ties with the U.S.—all remain undisturbed, and the regular Balikatan joint military exercises also continue. But the rhetoric and the symbolic environment have changed, while Russia and China have tried to develop closer military ties with the Philippines. Out at sea, the USS Carl Vinson, the U.S. Navy’s third Nimitz-class super carrier, accompanied by Carrier Air Wing Seventeen, Destroyer Squadron
1 and guided missile carrier Bunker hill, represents a superior naval presence in the area. But its coming and going is hardly celebrated by the friendly media. In May 2011, when Carl Vinson visited Manila, it elicited some mild concern after then President B.S. Aquino 3rd, together with most of his senior Cabinet members and the Armed Forces chief of staff, boarded the aircraft carrier from a U.S. military helicopter before it entered Philippine territorial waters, without the nation knowing anything about it. This happened after the execution of Osama bin Laden and the U.S. Navy buried his body from the deck of Carl Vinson into the Indian Sea. The question some observers raised then had to do with the propriety of the President and his Cabinet members boarding the foreign aircraft carrier while at sea, and its implications to the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Some pointed out that on
board a foreign military vessel at sea, the commander of the vessel exercises superior authority over all on board, and that by boarding the vessel, the President of the Philippines placed himself under the commander’s authority. The visit of the Russian large anti-submarine ship Admiral Tributs in January, and that of the guided missile cruiser Varyag this month both made quite a splash in the friendly media without igniting any controversy. The same with the current visit of the Chinese naval flotilla. The Chinese flotilla was originally scheduled to hold a reception in Manila, but had to cancel and relocate everything to Davao, where it was welcomed by the President’s daughter, Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio. On board the Tributs, the Varyag and the Chinese flotilla, DU30 posed for photos without anyone raising any question of protocolar propriety. What Malacañang has sought to underscore is DU30’s personal diplomacy. (ManilaTimes.net)
A MAY 5-11, 2017 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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National Nurses Week: Celebrating Filipino nurses’ contributions to the US By AJPress
The United States will observe National Nurses Week in the coming week with festivities beginning on Saturday, May 6 through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Back in the 1980s, the celebration for nurses was only limited to a day on May 6, known as National Nurses Day. But in 1990, the American Nurses Association (ANA) created the week-long observance. By 1994, the organization moved to commemorate the entire week annually as a way to recognize the contributions the 3.1 million registered nurses (RNs) continue to make to American society. This year, the ANA has designated the week’s theme as “Nursing: the Balance of Mind, Body, and Spirit,” which is meant to encourage nurses to focus on their own physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, personal and professional wellbeing. By taking care of themselves, they, in turn, will be able to provide an extraordinary level of care to others. Leading up to National Nurses Week, we dedicate this issue of the Asian Journal to Filipino and Filipino-American nurses
in the United States, given the sheer number of those who have gravitated toward the field. “Nurses are highly valued by patients. After all, in hospitals, nursing homes, managed long-term facilities, and other care centers, the nurses provide most of the medical care and direct, personal and face-to-face provision of care, interventions and bundles of care towards patient recovery and rehabilitation. Nurses are the ones who spend 90 percent of their time with patients who get to know their nurses much more so than most of the doctors. And, the patients are always very grateful to the nurses,” said edmund Mercado, a board member of Philippine Nurses Association of New York. The history of Filipinos migrating to the United States to be trained as nurses stems back to the 1900s. Some stayed in the country, while others returned to the Philippines to put their expertise to practice and set up nursing schools and programs. “The Philippines has sent nurses to America since it was a U.S. colony in the early 1900s; today, nearly one out of every five Filipino women in the U.S. works as a nurse,” according to a report
Inquirer.net photo
Fil-Am nurse Menchu de Luna Samchez was recognized by then President Barack Obama in 2013 during his State of the Union address in Washington D.C., and sat alongside First Lady Michelle Obama.
by Quartz. (In California alone, 20.3 percent of nurses identify as Filipino.) What draws Filipinos and Fil-Ams to nursing? Is it because caring for others, especially those who are sick and aging, is innate in Filipino culture? “Filipino nurses excel in the United States because caring for others — especially our elderly and family — is already a quintessential part of our culture,” shared Kathleen Reyes, a registered nurse in Southern California. “having a dynamic with our own families that includes extended relatives and our elderly has formed our nursing skills of caring even before we pass our NCLeX. Filipino nurses are important because we do give that unique and deeply authentic [tender loving care].” For Reyes — as is the case for many Filipino families that have multi-generations of nurses — caring for others “was a family business.” “My family has a medical background and growing up I witnessed my parents share their stories of working in the hospital. It was always interesting hearing stories about my dad working night shifts and my mom loving her job in the NICU,” she said. “I also
grew up seeing my mom develop her residential care facilities and I was able to visit the grandmas and grandpas at the houses.” “The migration of Filipino Nurses to the U.S. is beneficial for both parties,” shared Joji Jalandoni, a nurse from New York. “Professionally and economically the Filipino nurses benefited from it. In return, the US hospitals received a top caliber nursing care from highly educated, highly skilled, efficient workforce. The patients received compassionate, warm and caring type of Nursing.” Mike A., a dialysis nurse in California’s Bay Area, added that his inspiration to become a nurse was from “[his] innate desire to help people and care for them in times of sickness.” For Mercado, his career as a nurse came later in life after being motivated and living among other Filipino in the profession. “In 2009, I became a nurse — a noble, heroic, and according to some annual polls, the most trustworthy profession in America, more trustworthy than a priest,” he shared. Overall, Filipino nurses have reputations for being hardworking, hospitable, and compassionate. “Such is the importance of Continued on Page 6
Interesting facts about nursing:
• THE word “nurse” means many things to many different people. However, AllNurses.com traces the origins of the word back to the 13th century from the Latin “nurtrire,” referring to one who nourishes, and the French “nourrice,” which refers to a wet nurse (or a breast-feeding woman). During the 16th Century the word “nurse” evolved to describe “a woman who waited upon or tended to the sick”. Today, Webster Dictionary defines nurses as “a person who is trained to care for sick or injured people and who usually works in a hospital or doctor’s office,” although we know nurses can work in many different health care environments (i.e., nursing homes, health clinics, schools, hospitals, etc.). • Linda Richards (July 27, 1841 - April 16, 1930) of West Potsdam, New York became the first nurse to earn a nursing diploma in the United States in 1873. The first professionally trained American nurse, she established nursing training programs in the U.S. and Japan, and created the first system for keeping individual medical records for hospitalized patients. • In October of 1902, Lina Rogers Struthers became the first school nurse in the United States. • Florence Nightingale, the most famous nurse in modern history, was only a nurse for three years of her life. Florence is considered a pioneer in nursing for her work during the Crimean War, which ranged from 1853 to 1856. According to the Registered Nursing Association of Ontario, in Canada, Florence was called the “Lady with the Lamp”, tirelessly tending to wounded soldiers in various hospitals during the night. Florence’s compassion, commitment, and patient care is considered a model for the modern nursing profession. • In the U.S. military, approximately one-third of all nurses are male. • Only three out of five nurses work in hospitals. Nurses also work in schools, correctional facilities, private companies, home health, nursing homes, government agencies, social assistance agencies, and research labs. • Researchers at the University of Maryland’s School of Nursing found that 55 percent of 2,103 nurses surveyed were obese. Job stress and the effect of irregular work hours was cited as the cause. Irregular breaks to eat (if any at all) also has to be some sort of contributing factor. • Nurses may be called the “backbone of health care” in Canada and the U.S., but surprisingly it’s at the risk of their own back health. Data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that nurses report roughly 35,000 back injuries annually. Nursing back strain stems from diligent, hands on patient care—including pushing and pulling patient beds and wheelchairs, as well as lifting, rolling, bending over, and moving patients frequently. • The largest demand for licensed practical nurses through 2110 will be in nursing homes. (AJPress)
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Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ DEAR Atty. Gurfinkel: I came to the U.S. under a different name on a visitor’s visa. The passport and visa had my picture, but somebody else’s name. I still have that passport. I recently married a U.S. citizen for love, and hope to get a green card. Is there hope for me, since I entered the US under a different name? Very truly yours, ES Dear ES: Yes, there could be hope for you, despite having entered the US under a different name. (Please note I said there is “hope”, but as an attorney, I cannot, and do not, “guarantee” success or approvals.) In your case, you could be eligible to file for adjustment of status because you were “inspected,” meaning you presented yourself to an immigration officer who checked your visa or other papers, and admitted you to the U.S. (or allowed you to enter). Even though you were inspected under a different name, that still constitutes “inspection.”
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAGlAyA OKAY Jim Croce, that is really sweet. I guarantee most women and some men would swoon over this sentiment. Here’s the downer. On a more mundane, prosaic and utterly unromantic note, have you had the experience of setting confirmed appointments with people only to find yourself waiting in vain for the person to show up? I am sure most people have been in this situation. All kinds of dire scenarios come to mind when a simple phone call or text message could have saved time
I came to the US under a different name; is there hope for me? The fact that you saved that passport provides evidence of your inspection. This is critical to a person’s ability to file for adjustment in the US: proving you were “inspected.” Many people who entered the U.S. under a different name eventually wind up either losing or misplacing the passport they used to enter the U.S., or they mailed it back to the agency in the Philippines. If they don’t have proof of inspection, it could be considered that they entered the U.S. without inspection (or are “EWI”), and would not be eligible to adjust status in the U.S., even through marriage to a citizen, unless they have the benefit of Section 245(i). This was a law allowing people who entered without inspection to still get a green card in the U.S., provided they were petitioned on or before April 30, 2001. However, in your case, you also committed fraud by entering the U.S. under a different name. Therefore, you would be required to submit a fraud waiver, demonstrating “extreme
hardship” to a “qualifying relative”, who would either be a spouse or parent who is a U.S. citizen or immigrant (legal permanent resident). What would need to happen in your case is your citizen spouse could petition you, and you could also file for adjustment of status and fraud waiver. Of course no guarantees can be made, but there could be hope in your case, despite having entered the U.S. under a different name. If this situation applies to you, you should seek the advice of an attorney, who can evaluate your situation and determine your eligibility, guide you through the process, and help prepare the documentation and represent you at your interview. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and
Time “ If I could save time in a bottle, the first thing that I’d like to do is to save every day ‘til eternity passes away just to spend them with you.”
— Jim Croce Time in a bottle
and tamped down feelings of angst or concern about the other person’s silence and absence. During this era of cellphones and instant communication, there seems to be no excuse for such disrespect. The least you expect is to receive a call or text message just to let you know the person you are waiting for is running late or unable to show up for any reason. It’s common
courtesy, something that is sadly not so common these days in this multi-culti hodge-podge society that has too many opposing and resistant elements to allow for integration and assimilation. BIG SIGH … The worse part is getting the same kind of treatment from the same person repeatedly. If so, ditch that contact, delete details from your phone and vow to
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SHE TRIED TO COMPLY, BUT HER CASE WAS DENIED. A MOTHER’S DESPAIR AND AN ATTORNEY’S RESCUE ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Rowena and Mike came to the U.S. in 2010 to build a better life. Rowena was sponsored as a teacher. As she was filing her third extension for her H1-B visa in 2016, the shocking news hit her. She was denied! Then her adjustment (green card) application was denied because, according to the USCIS, she worked a mere 14 days without the necessary DHS authorization. Three lawyers tried handling her case, to no avail, and her family was urging her to “give up” and return to the Philippines. She finally decided to consult with “the attorney of last hope,” Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel, in a last-ditch effort to be able to provide a better life for her children. Watch how Atty. Gurfinkel was able to solve the problem in a record 43 days, turning a disastrous denial into green cards for the entire family, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established
with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US:
(866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES
never again let that person waste your time. A true friend will not do this to you. Perhaps, a casual acquaintance will. But a person who does this repeatedly with no apology is someone who is disrespectful of your time or at the very least, an airhead that constantly misplaces his phone. More than likely, this is someone you should not allow to waste any more of your precious time. You can’t bottle time. Once time is lost, it is lost forever. It is like trying to put back toothpaste in its tube. You can try making up for lost time by increasing your speed, multitasking and having too much to juggle in so little time. But right there is your formula for an accident. Too much stress could lead to a stroke or cardiac arrest. No wonder so many just drop down dead due
to the breakneck pace of life in the cities, places where time seems to be in short supply. It has often been said that time is more than money for time is actually the measure of life. All of us have a finite number of minutes allotted to our individual life spans. If you’re lucky, you get a new lease on life after a neardeath experience. But like all leases, it expires as well. Money lost can still be recovered in some way but once time is wasted, it is gone for good. So chuck off your dealings or associations from time wasters. These people are up to no good. Choose the people you want in your immediate orbit wisely and well. Life is just too short. Oftentimes though, the worst time wasters are not other people but ourselves. How we use our time, and therefore our lives,
depends on our value systems, priorities or what we think and feel are important to us or give us joy or pleasure. The tech gadgets we have were meant to be tools to enhance living but like most time-saving tools, these are double-edged swords. Information is at our fingertips at light speed helping us navigate our way through the day. The downside —we can be so tethered, even obsessed with our tech toys for hours at a time that we become unaware of the huge blocks of time we have frittered away just by browsing the fake news of the day. Mea culpa! I am guilty of this myself. It is just so easy to let the comfort and ease of our tech toys to seduce us into wasting time and thereby do damage to our eyesight and our Continued on Page 6
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On the PEP Front
People, Events, Places BoBBy T. yalong CHooSINg a career path puts one in a thorny, unfathomable crossroad hard to decide… or deal with it pragmatically and face the consequences brought about by an erroneous pursuit. Like edification which is a lifelong progression, a wise career choice offers a rewarding and enduring effect, as well. For young Joven P. Dungo, the youngest among the 6 children of Dr. Francisco and Natividad Dungo of Pampanga, his rebellious decision to veer towards Engineering (just so to thwart the monotonous lineage of medical practitioners) was drastically met with a change of heart only to end up joining the rest of his family in the medical field. Young Joven’s formative years were spent at the University of Santo Tomas (1966-1968) and at Dickinson High School in Jersey City (1968-1970) when his family migrated to the US. “During our time at Dickinson, we were appropriately dressed in uniform…with jacket and necktie. Majority of my schoolmates were
Dr. Joven P. Dungo unbolts his munificent heart so that others may live A post- operation visitation by the cardiologists
Engineer, Cardiologist, & Philanthropist Joven P. Dungo
Erie S. Aquino, JERF COO
The smile that suppresses a patient’s pain
The cardiologist at work
JERiecare Rainbow Foundation, Inc. feeding program for street children
Americans and Europeans…mostly Irish and we were only three Filipinos,” he fondly recalls while sipping his drink. He took BS in Civil Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology but after being employed for just a year, lackadaisical attitude and exhaustion crept in and openly accepted his fate: that he was born to be a doctor. “But, I have no regrets…at least I achieved what I was initially passionate about and have proven my worth!” was his quick reply when queried if he ever lamented having chosen Engineering over Medicine. “As a child, what I actually wanted was to fly a plane but my defiant ways led me to Engineering…just
EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
to be different. And I didn’t want to spend more than ten years in school! They say life is too short for a craft too long to finish… and I hated that!” He enrolled at Rutgers-NJIT for his Pre-Med , then flew back to the Philippines for his Medicine Proper at the University of the East (UERM -1977 to 1981), and finally returned to the USA for his Residency and Fellowship at the Jersey City Medical Center (now RWJ-Barnabas JCMC) specializing in Cardiology. Aptly armed with his in-depth level of medical knowlegeability while relentlessly acquiring extensive up-to-date technology pertinent to his specialization and innately gifted with a compassionate and emphatic heart, Dr. Joven P. Dungo gradually ascended from merely an effectual clinician to one of the best and most sought-after cardiologists. Dr. Dungo’s exceptional credentials, distinctive achievements, and selfless community service have effectually contributed to the reputable standing of Cardiovascular Medicine while uplifting the status of the organization where he’s professionally designated. His professional practice didn’t build a wall between him and his patients. Although doctor-patient confidentiality is the fundamental
Cardiologists Dr. Michael Benz, Dr. Joven Dungo, and Dr. David Dobash
strand of medical ethics Dr. Dungo’s instinctive concern for the health and well-being of his patients inevitably defy such disclosure and takes care of them like family. He believes that if his patient feels being genuinely cared for his body would suppress the intensity of pain and recovers fast. Empathy, for Dr. Dungo, is an essential “tool” in his personal medical practice. Although doctors are considered healers and lifesavers unmistakably they are still as human as every ordinary individual susceptible to committing mistakes and vulnerable to overcoming gaffes. “I thank god that He’s constantly by my side guiding me during my crucial and tough
SERVICES
hours in the operating Room. I’m truly blessed for having not encountered disheartening failures and staid episodes in my entire career. What I only pray for was to be steered and enlighten in my endeavor to save lives,” the low-key cardiologist uttered in a low but unambiguous tone. “In my thirty years of medical practice I consider Aortic Aneurysm (a fatal bulge in a section of the aorta that could burst) and Cardiogenic Shock (when the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s need) the hardest cases to manage,” he shared. Embracing his profession with paramount dedication generously rewarded him with much more than what he expected and gave Continued on Page 6
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CAM highlights Reynas of 39th Santacruzan and Flores De Mayo
Kaitlyn Marie Kasilag Reyes, Reyna Elena I
Daniella Therese Tero, Reyna Elena II
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ASEAN 50th anniversary marked with Southeast Asian Health Forum at Harvard University
Hazel Bejo Dao, Reyna De Las Flores
Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega talks Ramon Lorenzo Guinto welcomes all the Delegates at the conference about the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship participants to the Conference and the organization’s Health Development Agenda. Esperanza Lazaro Magbaleta Reyna Emperatriz
Ruth P. Sa-Onoy, Hermana Mayor
SANTACRUzAN is a religious commemoration of the finding of the True Cross by the Emperatriz (thus, Reyna Elena) mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine who, in the Edict of Milan in 313, legalized Christianity. This paved the way for its spread throughout the world. But it is also the celebration of the Spanish springtime tradition of Flores de Mayo dedicated to the Blessed Mother with offerings of flowers and festive processions.
Gerry M. Austria, Hermana Mayor
In the Filipino way of brightening solemn events into joyous ones, the two feasts were merged to form what is now known as the “Queen of Filipino Feasts”, the Santacruzan. It is held on the 9th night of the novena honoring the Holy Cross. The novena procession includes the Reynas, Sagalas (muses), Flower Girls, Angels, their Escorts and a display of biblical figures, characters of beauty, purity and fancy, and symbols of attributes
NEW York – Harvard University marked the 50th anniversary of the Association to the Virgin Mary. The relic of Southeast Asian Nations with of the True Cross, used to lead a Conference on “The Future of Santacruzan procession resides Health in Southeast Asia” held at St. Aedan’s Church. Jersey on April 28 at the Harvard TH City. The Catholic Action of Chan School of Public Health Mary (CAM) will hold the “39th in Boston, Massachusetts. Over Santacruzan and Flores De Mayo” 150 participants attended the in Jersey City on Sunday, May 28, conference. 2017 at St. Mary’s Church (Second The event, organized by the St./Erie St). CAM’s mission is Harvard Chan ASEAN Student to preserve our heritage by Organization and the Harvard celebrating and sharing the University Asia Center, featured meaning behind our Filipino public health experts and Continued on Page 7 innovators clustered in several panel discussions. The Conference aims to bring together Harvard faculty, students, researchers, and experts to examine the current health situation in Southeast Asia and looking towards the future health landscape for the region. The panel topics focused on “Achieving Universal Health Coverage in Southeast Asia”, “Preparing ASEAN for Emerging Health Challenges”, and “Advancing ASEAN Health Through Technology and Innovation”.
Vicenta C. Williams
Nick Joaquin centennial marked by book launch in New York City NEW York – The Philippine Consulate General in New York in cooperation with world renowned publishing house Penguin Classics marked the centennial of Philippine National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin with the launch of Joaquin’s The Woman Who Had Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic. This is the first time Joaquin’s works are being published in the United States. The book launch took place on April 27 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in New York with over 100 guests from the FilipinoAmerican Community, media, the publishing world, the academe, as well as arts and culture circles. Speaking at the launch, Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega relayed the enormous honor felt by the Consulate General of the Philippines in co-hosting the event as it provides an immeasurable opportunity for a global audience
Front Row (L-R) Ms. Melissa chia (2nd from left), Ms. Gina Apostol, Penguin Classics Publisher Elda Roto with a copy of the book, Consul General Theresa De Vega, Ms.Kay Habana, Ms. Ching Valdez-Aran of Ma-Yi Theater join other Ma-Yi members, Vice Consul Khrystina Corpuz, and Photo by NYPCG members of the Joaquin clan
and a new generation of readers to discover the literary magic of Nick Joaquin. Filipino-American Elda Rotor, Vice President and Publisher of Penguin Classics informed the audience that through the Penguin Classics series, Joaquin’s
works are now easily accessible in book format to schools, universities, critics, and general readers not only in the US but throughout the world. The launch also featured a message and reading from the Continued on Page 6
National Nurses Week... From Page 2 nurses in the Philippines, as well as in America and all over the world, because without caring, without all the compassion in a largely unaware world, then all is worth nothing,” Mercado said. Visit any hospital or medical facility in the U.S., and it’s seldom that you will not encounter a Filipino nurse. “Nurses are the backbone of medical field. They are the first line of defense. Filipino nurses usually are doing the hardest and [most] challenging work in the hospital (i.e., telemetry, ICU, rehab),” nurse Ellen M., 41, said. Menchu de Luna Sanchez, a nurse who has been working at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York for 20 years, said that Filipino nurses remain to be “an integral part of the health care system in the U.S.” “Health care professionals still look for the Filipino nurses to be in their department. Filipino nurses are hardworking, patient, and always tendering the trademark of Filipinos: ‘tender, loving and caring,’” she shared. Sanchez, especially, displayed those traits during Hurricane Sandy in the fall of 2012. The Filipina nurse was part of the transport unit of the hospital that helped intensive care nurses carry critically ill premature babies down nine flights of stairs to safety after a water surge knocked out the hospital’s electrical supply and backup generators. For her heroic efforts, she was honored by former President Barack Obama in his 2013 State of the Union address, in which we said “we should follow the
example” of Sanchez. Given the long hours and stressful conditions that nurses endure, the ANA has several ideas to mark National Nurses Week so that they may be rightfully recognized, including encouraging nurses to wear an “RN pin” or holding special celebrations to honor nurses in the community for their heroic acts, years of service, and commitment to the profession. However, for many nurses, a simple ‘thank you’ goes a long way. “Helping a nurse get some rest and relaxation would be a thoughtful gesture. We are on our feet, we are pulled in every direction during our shifts so some time to relax would be appreciated. But really, a meaningful greeting card or a sweet and simple ‘thank you’ when you see us is enough,” Reyes said. Tess Dela Cruz, an RN for over three decades and a current nurse care manager in New York,
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further added, however, that commemorating nurses shouldn’t just stop on May 12. “People and communities should honor [and] pay tribute to nurses [all] year long. Not only on Nurses Week, but every day,” she said. Jalandoni echoed Dela Cruz comment, saying that showing tribute to nurses should not be confined to a week. “It would be nice if such appreciation is extended in the same manner as the one given to military personnel, such as being allowed to check in for flights in the same manner as those in business class, allowed to get through customs /immigration at the airport via an express line, scholarships and educational grants, discounts in stores, mortgage benefits, among others,” she said. “I could go on and on but for the profession which survey results repeatedly rank as the most trusted, nurses are worth it!”
The resource speakers included: Mr. Soonman Kwon, Chief of the Health Sector Group- Asian Development Bank (ADB), Prof. Peter Berman of the Harvard School of Public Health, Ms. Rebecca Black, Senior Associate of CSIS and former Mission Director for USAID Cambodia, Prof. Mary –Jo Del Vecchio Good of the Harvard Medical School, Prof. Jacqueline Babha of the Harvard School of Public Health,Mr. Marc Mitchell, Founder and President of D-International and Harvard Public Health Lecturer, and Mr. Farouk Meralli, Founder and CEO of mClinica,Inc. The panels were moderated by Prof. Stephane Verguet, Mr. Sandeep Nanwani, and Dr. Katherine Morley. The Conference was opened by Prof. Michele Williams, Dean of Faculty of the Harvard School of Public Health. Philippine Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega provided an overview of the Philippines ASEAN Chairmanship and the ASEAN Post 2015 Health Development Agenda (APHDA) while the Keynote Address on the
Future of Health in Southeast Asia was delivered by Mr. Soonman Kwon. The Closing Address on Spirituality and Health for a Renewed ASEAN was given by Venerable Yong Seng Yeath from the Harvard Divinity School and Secretary-General of the Cambodian Inter-Faith Council. The information sessions took stock of the challenges, successes, and prospects for health issues in ASEAN which was described in a 2011 Lancet series as a “microcosm of global health”. The experts also shared their findings on best practices in public health systems and health care access including technological innovation through case studies in Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Lao PDR. Speaking at the start of the Conference. Consul General De Vega commended the initiative of the Harvard Chan ASEAN Student Organization led by its current President Filipino doctoral candidate Dr. Ramon Lorenzo Guinto for generating further interest in health concerns in the ASEAN region
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99 Ranch Market kicks off the Grand Prize Sweepstakes in New Jersey For the celebration of the Jersey City store’s grand opening, 99 ranch Market is now kicking off a Grand Prize Sweepstakes promotion at the Edison and Jersey City stores in New Jersey. The Grand Prize Sweepstakes will be held from May 5th to September 10th. Lots of valuable prizes, including a brand new Toyota rAV4 SUV 2017, big screen TV sets, travelling package, home appliances and 99 ranch gift cards will be given away for the winners of this promotion. No purchase necessary to enter or win this sweepstakes. A free drawing ticket can be received upon request at the customer service counter of the Edison or Jersey City store. Simply fills out the drawing ticket and drops it into the designated drawing box before September 10th for a chance to win an amazing prize. 99 ranch Market is committed to continue providing a wide range of goods and quality services to satisfy all
customers’ needs in New Jersey. Lots of customers have visited the Jersey City store since its opening in April. We know that the success of 99 ranch Market relies on the support of the communities and the relationship built with the neighbors in the regions where our stores located. 99 ranch Market is committed to uphold its “customer –first” philosophy and to provide the best price and wide range of quality merchandises along with the comfortable shopping environment and stellar customer service. In addition to the sweepstakes promotion, 99 ranch Market also offers a “Double Coupon” program at the stores in New Jersey. Customers spent every $20 at the Edison or Jersey City store; they will receive a $1 hot deli or bakery coupon. With the purchase more than $60 during the weekdays, $80 or even more during the weekends, customers can receive two $1 coupons for every $20 spent at
any store of 99 ranch Market in New Jersey. We aim to provide the best shopping experience for all customers of 99 ranch Market. This Grand Prize Sweepstakes promotion is organized by 99 ranch Market and sponsored by LETV, Inter Trips, ZoJIrUSHI . For more detailed information or the entry rules about this sweepstakes, please talk to the representatives of customer service at the store in Edison and Jersey City, or visit our website www.99ranch.com Participating store locations of 99 ranch Market included: Edison Store: 561 U.S 1, Edison, NJ 08817, Tel: 732-8198889 Jersey City Store: ： 420 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302 Tel: 201-536-8899 Find us on social media: Facebook.com/ 99ranchMarket @99ranchMarket @99ranchMarket @official99ranch (Advertising Supplement)
Nick Joaquin centennial marked... From Page 5 Foreword to the book by PEN/ open Book awardee FilipinoAmerican author Gina Apostol who spoke of the distinct literary voice and contributions of Nick Joaquin to 20th century literature. other participants in the event included the Ma-Yi Theater Company’s Arianne recto, Eileen rivera, and Jose Gamo who did a dramatic reading from Joaquin’s A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino. The dramatic reading was directed by renowned actress and director Ching Valdes-Aran. Classical singer Kay Habana likewise performed a rendition of Bituing Marikit. Miss Melissa Chia, grandniece of Nick Joaquin delivered a message of appreciation on the
Jasmine Santa Cruz
Copy of Penguin Classics publication of The Woman Who Had Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic by Nick Joaquin
publication of the book and the various events honoring the national artist during his centenary year.
The Woman Who Had Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic is set to be launched in other cities in the US.
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.
Leah Elizabeth Wong
Ramona Munsayac
The PIDCI search for Diwa ng Kalayaan NEW YorK – one of the Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDCI) celebratory events building up to the all-day Philippine Independence Day on Sunday, June 4 – the Selection and Coronation Pageant and Gala Diwa ng Kalayaan (Spirit of Independence) takes place Saturday May 6, 2017 at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Fort Lee George Washington Bridge with four beautiful dalagang Filipina (Filipino maidens) vying for the most coveted title Diwa ng Kalayaan (Spirit of Independence) among young women of Filipino descent in the burgeoning Filipino-American communities of the northeastern United States. The Gala festivities start at 6:30 in the evening and lasts until 12:00 midnight. Winner of the top title Diwa ng Kalayaan will walk away with the top prize of a round trip airline ticket by Philippine Airlines (PAL) to the Philippines, including hotel stays while in the islands and pocket money of $500.00 donated by the volunteer community organization Alliance of Manila and Philippine Islanders S.A.
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The Ma-Yi Theater Company with a dramatic reading from Portrait of the Artist as a Filipino: An Elegy in Three Acts
Pearl Reyes
PIDCI Diwa ng Kalayaan officials identified the four (4) candidates vying for the top title as Jasmine Santa Cruz, a 17-yearold, an 11th grader who goes to Forest Hills High School daughter of Elmhurst, Queens residents Daniel and Marissa Santa Cruz. Jasmine has two sisters and a brother. The other candidates are Pearl reyes, a Communications major at Kean University. Pearl is an Honor student since high school. She loves singing and has been performing since she was nine (9) years old, she can sing in five languages. Having auditioned and gotten into the Continuo Arts Summer Musical Theater Conservatory several years ago she performed singing roles in Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. Pearl resides in Westfield, New Jersey with her parents. Leah Elizabeth Wong is the third candidate for the much coveted title Diwa ng Kalayaan. Leah is the youngest daughter of Steven and Grace Wong if Mahwah, New Jersey. She has a brother and a sister and is a Senior at Mahwah High School. She is looking forward to turning
Time
relationships. Do a self –check. Find out how much time we allot per day connecting with friends and the world via social media. Are you facebooking, linking, twittering, instagraming, gabbing and living in a virtual world long into the night while the real world takes a back seat? Does your garden need tending? Does your child need guidance? Does your marriage need work? Are you overwhelmed by the amount of junk you have to clear away to clear some space at home? Have you let yourself go that you look like the Unabomber? Have you neglected some important part of your life because of all this time wasting activities that hog and fritter away the productive hours of your day? Go cold turkey and cut the cord, if you must. It is a major cause for concern when people think they are on camera 24/7. People are collecting on their “fifteen minutes of fame
18 years old before the end of April and is graduating from High School next month. She will be going into the New Jersey Institute of Technolory to major in Industrial Design. While in High School, she was into sports, having played for her school’s junior varsity volleyball team. She was also an instructor in skiing and snowboarding to young children at a leading ski area resort. Leah has been studying Mandarin and was recently inducted into the National Chinese Honor Society for her accomplishements. In this regard, Leah has applied for acceptance into an Immersive program for which, if accepted, will take her to China for summer studies. ramona Liza Munsayac is the fourth and last candidate this year for Diwa ng Kalayaan. ramona was born in Lapu-lapu City, Cebu, Philippines and has four siblings, three sisters and a brother. ramona, the youngest of the four candidates, is 15 years old and a freshman at theAcademy of our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall, an all-girls Catholic school in Milford, Connecticut. (Tambi Wycoco)
preponderance of robotics in the very near future may very well be predicting a future that bode eerily of machines taking over much of human activities. Frankly, I am not sure I am all in for this type of progress in robot technology. This could mean a drastic and negative change on the way humans live and how they use their time and spend their lives in the future. There has to be parameters. With a big sigh of relief, the baby boomer generations, perhaps, be gone by then. The millennials and the generations yet to come will have to deal with the inevitable battle between man and the machines they make. All that can be said for today or in the future is that IF we as human beings value our life on earth, we must take full charge of how we spend that one Godgiven, precious and easily wasted resource all humans still living have in various amounts. And that is TIME. ***
or shame” posting vignettes of their life on social media hoping to go viral and be famous, at least for 15 minutes. We seem to live in glass houses these days. In this extremely intrusive world we have today, PrIVACY AND ANoNYMITY ArE AS PrECIoUS AS GoLD. You can’t take these to the bank but more than likely, if you are a normal, average person that has no use for being constantly in the public eye, you will find the PEACE that surpasses all understanding. A great majority of the technologically wired world today is preoccupied with the SELF and how they project THE IMAGE of themselves to the world. Even the deranged and unhinged among us depict murder, suicides, rapes and crimes against humanity loading horrifying scenes on the internet with neither shame nor apology. I mention this only because our use of time these days have Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP changed dramatically because of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send of technology. Those who comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ are trumpeting the rise and asianjournalinc.com
Dr. Joven P. Dungo unbolts... Heart Center with a prime mission: “To save lives.” The mission him the opportunity to extend his benefited Class C and D patients… services outside the confines of those that could not afford the four corners of the operating such sky-rocket-priced cardiac room. treatment. “I always believe in giving back With a medical team of and sharing,” he segues with a tone charitable and munificentof vibrancy laced with a coy smile. hearted cardiologists, a number “There are those who untimely of underprivileged Filipinos were lost their lives just because they given additional years to survive couldn’t afford a specialist or no through the generous sponsorship such doctor was available. We are all of Meditronic and Boston Scientific living in borrowed times and each who provided free stents, pacewas born with respective destiny makers, defibrillators, catheters, but sometimes life span could be and everything needed to be able miraculously prolonged. If I have to perform all procedures and the capacity to extend it then why accomplish their mission worth to shouldn’t I?” a whopping 1.2 million dollars. In 2012 an amicable Members of the “operation collaboration with Erie S. Aquino, a Puso 2016” Medical Mission service-oriented community leader, (aside from Dr. Dungo who is the resulted in the establishment of Founder, President, & CEo and JEriecare rainbow Foundation, Inc. Attending Cardiologist at the (JErF), a non-profit, empowered, Carepoint Health System-Barnabas educational, and humanitarian Health, included: relief institution that inspires David P. Dobash, MD, hope and delivers assistance as pacemaker specialist, Fellowship in it serves in health, education, Electro Physiology and cardiology scholarship, nutrition, and assists in (New York Presbyterian Hospitalrecovering from natural calamities Cornell Medical Center), Doctorate and weather devastation. Aquino of Medicine Awardee with high serves as the foundation’s Coo academic honors. and “operation Puso” over-all Michael Benz, MD, FACC, FSCAI, Coordinator while Dr. Dungo sits as rPVIM, rVT, Stent expert, Chief, President-CEo. Division of Cardiology (Christ JEriecare rainbow Foundation Hospital, Jersey City), Peripheral found a bighearted partner in & Interventional Cardiology Jollibee owner Grace Tan, who (Advanced Cardiac Care, LLC, happens to be Dr. Dungo’s Jeresy City), Clinical Asst. Professor, classmate back during their Division of Cardiology (rutgers elementary and high school years, University New Jersey Medical for its Feeding Program project that School, Newark, NJ). fed street and homeless children. Some of the Filipino patients Last year, Dr. Dungo setwith serious cardiac cases who up “operation Puso 2016” in benefited from the maiden mission association with the Philippine of the foundation were rosalie From Page 4
robledo, 51; Nestor Gabion, 65; Felix Flores, 65; Vergel Penaloza, 37; and renato Alcantara, Jr., 35. “After dealing with betweenlife-and-death cases and successfully saved lives we felt very happy and fulfilled. We were like walking on cloud nine because we were able to sustain the lives of hopeless patients who had almost given up survival due to poverty,” the high-spirited-sounding cardiologist stated. “Hopefully, next year, we may perform advance methods and procedures in Cebu and St. Luke’s Hospital. We’re currently working on doing TAVr (Trans Aortic Valvular replacement) and Watchman Implants (to prevent stroke) which are the latest cardiac procedures.” Currently, JEriecare rainbow Foundation, Inc. is in the midst of getting active with another feeding task via Vitaquest Laboratory’s Healthycell Products, a result of Nobel Prize nominee Dr. Vincent Giampapa’s extensive stem cell research. A homeless and malnourished kid is assured to be fed three square meals a day from every box sold by Nirvana Lifestyle & Culture, Inc. Dr. Joven P. Dungo, Engineer, Internist, Cardiologist, and Philanthropist, walks tall and proudly stands after having had successfully accomplished another one among his advocacies for humanity. Truly, sustaining life for others begets a life sustained with luck and blessings. For comments and suggestions, please email to: gemini0646@yahoo.com.
Fil-Am Eva Noblezada, ‘Miss Saigon’ nab Tony Award nominations By MoMar
G. Visaya
By Maridol
ranoa-BisMark Philstar.com
Eva Noblezada in a scene from the London production of “Miss Saigon.” Photo by Matthew Murphy
Platt (“Dear Evan Hansen”). Jon Jon Briones, who plays the role of the Engineer in “Miss Saigon,” did not receive a Tony nod but he received a nomination from the Drama Desk
Awards for outstanding Actor in a Musical. The musical also received a nomination from the outer Critics Circle for outstanding Revival of a Musical.
Ruffa Gutierrez empowers single moms By deni
rose M. afinidad-Bernardo Philstar.com
NoT all single parents are what as Sen. Tito Sotto described as “na-ano lang,” and a case in point is actress and beauty queen Ruffa Gutierrez. Ruffa married Turkish businessman Yilmaz Bektas in 2003. Their marriage produced two children, Lorin and Venice, before the couple called it quits in 2011 due to Yilmaz’s alleged abuses. Ruffa, then, vowed to work hard for her children and not depend on Yilmaz for financial backing. At last night’s Tresemme Runway Ready event, Ruffa lent support for his brother, Raymond Gutierrez, and sister-in-law Sarah Lahbati, who modeled in the fashion show. In an interview with Philstar.com, Ruffa directed her preMother’s Day message to single moms like her. “For single moms like me who are working, never forget your dreams,” she advised. “I know it’s difficult, but just leave the past behind and always remember that every single day is a new beginning and look forward to the future.” Judging by the grin in her face, Ruffa is proof that though single, she is never alone and unloved, as long as her family and friends are by her side.
CAM highlights... From Page 5 religious and cultural traditions. CAM’s celebration is the largest and longest running Santacruzan here in the East Coast. CAM honors reynas and hermanos at Santacruzan Ball The Santacruzan Presentation Ball will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2017 (6:30 pm) at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Newark, NJ (formerly the Sheraton Hotel). CAM proudly announces the presentation of this year’s Reynas: Reyna Elena I: Kaitlyn Marie Kasilag Reyes Reyna Elena II : Daniella Therese Tero Reyna De Las Flores: Hazel Bejo Dao Reyna Emperatriz: Esperanza Lazaro Magbaleta CAM is also honored to distinguish and present this year’s Hermanos y Hermanas Mayores. We would like to thank these prominent members of the Filipino community for their generous contributions to the Parish. Hermana Mayor: Ruth Sa-onoy Hermano Mayor: Guillermo Austria Hermana Mayor: Vicenta C. Williams 39th Santacruzan & Flores De Mayo Festival 2017 Jersey City - on Sunday, May 28, the Catholic Action of
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Why Judy Ann is happy in life and career
AJPress
IT’S awards season on Broadway! The 2017 Tony Award nominations were revealed Tuesday, May 2 weeks ahead of Broadway’s biggest night, which is set to happen on June 11 at the Radio City Music Hall in New York. Filipino-American Eva Noblezada nabbed a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for “Miss Saigon.” She is up against Broadway legends and veterans Bette Midler (“Hello, Dolly!”), Patti LuPone (“War Paint”), Christine Ebersole (“War Paint”) and Denee Benton (“Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”). This is Noblezada’s first Tony nomination. Miss Saigon’s other nomination is for Best Revival of a Musical and it is up against “Falsettos” and “Hello, Dolly!” Both the musical and Eva Noblezada also received nominations from the Drama League Awards. The Tony Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical category is a toss-up among Christian Borle (“Falsettos”), Josh Groban (“Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”), David Hyde Pierce (“Hello, Dolly!”), Andy Karl (“Groundhog Day”) and Ben
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Mary (CAM) will celebrate its “39th Santacruzan & Flores de Mayo Festival 2017.” CAM’s celebration is the largest and longest running Santacruzan in the East Coast, USA. The festival is an all-day event complete with over 100 vendors including, flea market type, food concessions, non-profit organizations, businesses, exhibitors, live on stage performances, arts and crafts, games and all day fun activities for the entire family. (10am-8pm). The highlight of the day is the Religious Procession and the traditional celebration of the Santacruzan with the Hermanos y Hermanas Mayores, the Reynas & Sagalas. There will be a mass at St. Mary’s Church, Second St. corner of Erie St., Jersey City at 2:30 pm and the procession follows immediately after the mass. We are proud to announce this year’s Festival will be on (6) six city blocks along Manila Ave. which includes the “Health Fair” and “Fil-Am STX 5K Race & Manila Mile Fun Run/Walk.” For more info visit: www.facebook.com/ santacruzanfestivaljc To register for the 5K Race visit: bit.ly/STXFILAM5K To participate as a vendor please contact us via email: sanatcruzanstreetfair@gmail. com
ALMoST every big star fears losing his or her luster to younger, talented actors. Judy Ann Santos is one of them. Way back six years ago, when she got pregnant with Lucho, hers and husband Ryan Agoncilo’s son, the “drama queen” admits she feared for her career as a Kapamilya. “Stars come and go. And today’s young stars are so good! I told my management team about my struggle. It’s normal. It’s a healthy feeling,” she said at the press con of “Bet on Your Baby,” the ABS-CBN show she is hosting again for its third season. Judy Ann feared millennials will not recognize her anymore because she is not a social media person. Her online presence is limited. “I post (messages) once, twice. My next post will come three days after. Not that I don’t want to post anything. I just forget to do so.” By now, showbiz insiders know Judy Ann’s fears are baseless. ABSCBN asked her back, and was even gracious enough to give her a choice about what project to take. Judy Ann wanted to return to hosting the game show “Bet on Your Baby” for a couple of reasons. The grand prize – a whopping P1 million and house and lot – can save a family from poverty. one family left their unofficial residence under the bridge and moved in to a home of their own
Actors Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo and Ryan Agoncillo celebrating their eighth wedding anniversary in Italy.
after winning in the show. Seeing them on stage at the recent press con for the show brought tears to Judy Ann’s eyes. She takes the family’s windfall as a sign that hope springs eternal. “I want to tell everyone that they shouldn’t lose hope of enjoying the good life,” she said. Judy Ann’s other reason for choosing a game show as comeback project after more than a year of absence from the scene, is motherhood. “Bet on Your Baby” requires her to report on the set for taping only once a week. Work packs up early, so sleepless nights is no longer part of her lifestyle the way it was when she was still into films and teleseryes.
This means more time for her husband, Ryan Agoncillo, and their children, Yohan, Lucho, and Luna. All she needs do is see Ryan and their kids welcoming her home at the end of a long day, and feel the fatigue slowly melt away. She admitted she used to find moms who say they get their energy from their children cheesy. Now that she is in their shoes, Judy Ann is taking back her words. “My goal is simple: to join my children in their journey until they get married, which is a long time from now.” She also wants to become fitter and healthier, not for herself, but for her family. Life is good. And Judy Ann – rightly -- feels blessed.
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