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Volume 23 - No. 13 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

aPril 1-7, 2016 Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEw YORk/NEw JERSEY

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Kim Wong turns over $4.63-M to AMLC by Lawrence

agcaoiLi Philstar.com

Casino junket operator Kim Wong testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon committee that he had no knowledge or participation in the entry into the country of $81 million stolen from the Bangladesh bank account in the Federal Reserve Bank in New York. The amount found its way to RCBC and later to Midas and Solaire casinos. Philstar.com photo by Geremy Pintolo

USA

DATELINE Fil-Am named AAPI outreach director for Clinton campaign

mANILA—Casino junket operator Kim Wong has made good his promise to deliver $4.63 million to the Antimoney Laundering Council (AmLC) office at the Bangko sentral ng Pilipinas (BsP) head office in manila. Lawyer Inocencio ferrer, Wong’s legal counsel, said in an ambush interview that AmLC executive director Julia Bacay-Abad received the amount surrendered by his client on thursday, march 31. ferrer said the amount PAGE A2

DIRTY MONEY. Casino junket operator Kim Wong turned over $4.63 million stolen by hackers from Bangladesh’s central bank to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) for safekeeping at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) premises. In photo are (L-R) Second Secretary and Head of Chancery of the Bangladesh Embassy Manila Probash Lamarong, AMLC Secretariat Executive Director Julia Bacay-Abad, AMLC Member and Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc, Atty Inocencio Ferrer, Jr. – Legal Counsel of Mr. Kim Wong and BSP Deputy Governor Vicente Aquino. Photo courtesy of the Bangko Sentral ng PIlipinas

Bangladesh envoy: We want all of $81-M stolen back Bangladeshi bank officials, crime investigators to come to Manila to hold own probe by Ben

o. de Vera Inquirer.net

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

A fILIPINo-American was named the new Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) outreach director for the campaign for Democratic presidential candidate hillary Clinton. the announcement of Jason tengco’s appointment on thursday, march 24 comes nearly a week after Lisa Changadveja stepped down from the position. Changadveja, who was first appointed outreach director last August, is moving to Colorado to take a position with the Democratic Party. Prior to joining Clinton’s campaign, tengco was deputy director of the White house Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WhIAAPI). his past roles also include the Initiative’s liaison in the White house office of Public engagement and as a senior advisor directing community engagement. “Jason is passionate about engaging AAPIs in the political process, building a pipeline for youth empowerment, and ensuring that the AAPI community’s diverse issues are PAGE A3

Filipina in California not guilty of kidnapping own daughters NAPA, California — A filipina mother charged with child abduction and kidnapping her own daughter in Napa County, California had her hope for a better life revived when a 12-person jury found her not guilty of all the charges. makati resident Anna Nepomuceno looked greatly relieved and teary-eyed as she turned to her lawyer, stacy Barrett, after the verdict was announced, then hugged her family and supporters and thanked them profusely. “the mood at the courtroom was very intense as we were also uneasy and nervous,” said faye Lacanilao of filipino Community Center worker’s rights program and migrante NorCal. “When the verdict was announced, all of us found ourselves crying. We joined hands and hugged each other. Before that we were all praying and trying to console each other.” Barrett also looked relieved, overwhelmed with feelings and seemed to be trying to hold PAGE A4

Bangladesh’s ambassador to the Philippines John Gomes

mANILA—At least two-fifths of the stolen money from Bangladesh’s central bank has been recovered after junket operator Kim Wong turned over $4.63 million to the Anti-money Laundering Council (AmLC) thursday, but Dhaka’s envoy to manila wants to recover more. AmLC executive Director Julia Bacay-Abad added that Kim Wong was not off the hook. “Walang ganoong arrangement (There’s no such arrangement),” Bacay-Abad said when asked if they would withdraw the

case filed against the businessman. “We hope this would be a step in the right direction,” Bangladesh’s ambassador to the Philippines John Gomes said. Gomes nonetheless said they would still want to recover some more—$34 million reported in newspapers, $17 million claimed by Kim Wong that went to Philrem’s salud Bautista, and another over $9 million (P450 million) that the junket operator had allegedly already used up. “We are quite optimistic, since we have recovered 40 percent of the total amount. We’re quite pleased with

the way the senate has been able to get a portion of the money,” Gomes said. the envoy said officials from Bangladesh Bank, their central bank, will arrive here on sunday and attend the senate hearing on April 5. the Bangladeshi central bank officials will coordinate with AmLC on how they would bring the money back home. Also, Gomes said officials of the Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department will arrive here next week to start their own investigation. PAGE A2

‘Most Pinoys do not want to work abroad’ by czeriza

VaLencia Philstar.com

nomic and Development Authority (NeDA). mANILA—most filipinos (88 percent) Completed last february, NeDA’s aspire to obtain gainful employment in Ambisyon Natin 2040 survey also shows the country instead of going abroad to that filipinos aspire to eventually live in work. a country that can guarantee their secuthis was according to a nationwide rity in their respective communities. survey conducted by the National ecoPAGE A2

PUBLISH ASIA CONFERENCE. President Benigno S. Aquino lll answers questions from the participants of the Publish Asia 2016 Conference during the opening ceremony held at the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park in Manila on Wednesday, March 30. This year’s theme is “Mapping Challenges and Opportunities in the New Asian Media Game.” Malacañang photo by Benhur Arcayan

PNoy slams media bias, sensationalism by aurea

caLica Philstar.com

mANILA—It was President Benigno Aquino III’s turn to pose questions to the media to underscore the importance of truthful news reporting, especially with the coming elections and regional developments that help form public opinion. he also delved on the challenges faced by the print media in light of the popularity of social media. Aquino said truth, integrity and responsibility must not be compromised in the face of the apparent need for faster dissemination of information. he criticized sensationalism and biased, speculative and inaccurate

reporting as well as the seeming lack of appetite for good news by media enterprises. “media, and perhaps especially print media, (have) a special role to play before, during and after our elections – as it does at any critical time in even your own countries. We filipinos will need a just, comprehensive accounting of this historic time, and you are in the best position to do that,” Aquino said during the Publish Asia 2016 opening ceremonies organized by the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IfrA) and attended by local and foreign journalists.

In this undated file photo, overseas Filipino workers queue at the Immigration booths at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. Philstar.com photo

Pacquiao thanks Comelec for allowing fight to push through by PaoLo

romero Philstar.com

allow his April 9 fight against World Boxing organization welterweight champion mANILA—World boxing icon and sa- timothy Bradley of the United states to rangani rep. manny Pacquiao lauded on push through. Pacquiao, who is running for senator Wednesday, march 30 the stand of the PAGE A2 Commission on elections (Comelec) to PAGE A2

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APRIL 1-7, 2016 • OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL

Kim Wong turns over... PAGE A1 was in hundred dollar bills and in 46 bundles of $1,000 each. The money was counted and validated inside the AMLC office. The procedure was witnessed by Bangladesh Ambassador Maj. Gen. John Gomes and second secretary Probash Lamarong. Insurance Commission chief

Emmanuel Dooc and other BSP officials witnessed the turnover of the amount. The counting and validation took more than two and a half hours using several counting machines. According to Dooc, it would be impossible or it would likely take several days to finish counting the

From the Front Page

amount manually. The counting started 3:30 p.m. and was finished at 6 p.m. The surrendered amount was loaded into an armored vehicle of the BSP and transported to the BSP vault. “Today Mr. Kim Wong kept his promise to the Senate Blue Ribbon committee to return the $4.63 million in his casino to the AMLC for later transmittal to the Bangladesh Central Bank,” Ferrer said. “We’re here because Mr. Kim Wong has one word. He made good his promise to deliver the money to AMLC,” Ferrer said in Filipino. “The stature of the Philippines in the world community has been restored today,” he said. “We thank Senator Teofisto Guingona Jr., chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, for making this turnover possible. We also thank the AMLC and BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. for graciously accommodating our request for the AMLC to be the temporary repository of these funds prior to its return to the people of Bangladesh,” Ferrer added. Earlier, Wong testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon committee that he had no knowledge or participation in the entry into the country of $81 million stolen from the Bangladesh bank account in the Federal Reserve Bank in New York. The amount found its way to RCBC and later to Midas and Solaire casinos. Changes in RCBC In a statement, RCBC said its Board of Directors led by chair Helen Yuchengco Dee has taken immediate steps to improve its operational processes. Dee is also acting as concurrent president as RCBC president and chief executive officer Lorenzo Tan went on leave after being dragged into the money laundering scam by dismissed RCBC Jupiter branch manager Maia Santos-Deguito. “Down the road, RCBC intends to implement best practice policies and procedures gained from international institutions for rigorous strengthening of compliance with Anti Money Laundering measures. This is meant to comply with all regulations while PAGE A3

LONG MARCH. Cadres of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Southern Tagalog (NDFP-ST) participate in a grand march from EDSA-Aurora Boulevard to UP Diliman as tribute to Communist Party of the Philippines spokesperson Ka Roger Rosal and in celebration of the 47th anniversary of the New People’s Army. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan

Bangladesh envoy: We want all of $81... PAGE A1 “They will investigate through documents how the money came in here and who were involved,” he said. Bacay-Abad said AMLC has effectively turned over the stolen money to the Bangladesh government through the acknowledgment receipt which she and Gomes signed. Bacay-Abad said it took them

about two-and-a-half hours to count the money. “The BSP’s cash department started 3:30 p.m.and finished almost 6 o’clock,” she said. They used two counting machines, with five cashiers assisting, she added. Bacay-Abad said they were not told how Kim Wong was able to produce that huge amount of cash—in 46 bundles of $100,000

all comprised of $100 bill—except that they were sourced from junket operations. “I think it came from Solaire… We provided security [for the transportation of money to the AMLC office].” She disclosed that Kim Wong’s lawyer Inocencio Ferrer arrived at the AMLC office at about 10 a.m. “and informed us that the money is ready in two hours.”

‘Most Pinoys do not want to work...

PAGE A1

Furthermore, the survey shows that most Filipinos are attracted to a middle class and family-centric life rather than an affluent lifestyle. Seventy-nine percent of Filipinos aspire for a “simple and comfortable life” defined as having a medium-sized home, having enough earnings to support everyday needs, owning at least one vehicle, having the means to provide their children with college education and traveling

within the country for vacations, the survey showed. When all these needs have been met, they would also want to be able to run a business, have savings and be able to afford to spend more leisure time with family and friends. In terms of good governance, most Filipinos expressed the need to eliminate petty corruption in government transactions. This is defined as the need to pay extra to get their transactions with the government mov-

ing. The survey, which was initiated last year, utilized face-to-face interviews of 10,000 persons across all economic classes. The respondents are aged 15 to 50 years old. Respondents were picked from both urban and rural areas nationwide except in high-risk areas such as Abra, Sulu and Basilan and provinces with small population such as Apayao, Batanes, Siquijor, Camiguin and Dinagat Islands.

PNoy slams media bias...

PAGE A1 Aquino recalled that 16 years ago, his mother, former president Corazon Aquino spoke in one of the major universities’ center for journalism in the country when she was no longer chief executive and referred to a hostage-taking incident in Mindanao. She related how journalists seeking close contact with the hostages and hostage-takers, or seeking a scoop, likewise became captives, with their watches, laptops and shoes taken from them. “After narrating that incident, my mother posed a number of questions which, I believe, remain relevant not only in that particular context, or to Filipino reporters, but to each and every member of the industry today and in the years to come. Allow me to repeat some of those questions now: are the reporters telling what they see or what they think readers will pay to read? Do they understand what they see? Are they talking to the right people, or are they just retailing propaganda?” Aquino noted. The President said his mother was simply questioning the journalists’ dedication to the two most important values of the profession, namely integrity and truth. “Your dedication to these two values is especially important in light of your expansion to new media technologies, which are the crux of your discussion today,” Aquino said. “We all know that there has been a great shift away from the primacy of print to a 24/7 news cycle, where it only takes a single Tweet to break news — where anyone can report on anything, at any

time, and have it reach anywhere in the world. These new forms of media challenge what print, at its best, is supposed to represent: depth and breadth, context and a clear delineation between opinion and news,” he said. Aquino said the job of the media had become more complicated because of the need to expand to new media forms, which have their own limitations in terms of dissemination. “At the same time, dissemination does not matter so much as the most basic responsibility, which is to deliver information — information that the people can trust, can lead to fruitful discussions on issues of national and global importance, that can even lead to positive transformation. This is the value and the service that you must provide,” Aquino said. He said when the distinction between opinion and straightforward news gets blurred, the journalism profession is endangered. “This is not only a matter of principle, it is also about practicality. Sensational headlines and articles composed of controversial rumors, for example, might increase your circulation… What happens, however, when the people notice your tendency towards such, when they realize that your articles are entertaining, perhaps, but cannot be verified and consequently trusted?” Trust and truth telling “In the long run, will they not seek alternative sources of information — sources that they know will tell them the truth?” the President said.

Aquino said this coming elections, candidates vying for the highest posts were trying to win the people’s trust in a variety of ways: from promises, to attempts to smear mud on the names of their rivals; from presentations of their records of service, to curses and strong language. “All of this appears in your pages — some more sensational candidates featured more prominently than others, I have to point out. Everything you publish is indeed devoured by millions. In a very real way, you are luckier than these candidates,” he said. “By far and large, you — the press — already have our people’s trust. This alone reflects the magnitude of your responsibility to wider society: to disseminate information, instead of speculation; to foster higher levels of discourse, instead of becoming a rumor mill; to empower citizenries and nations, instead of tearing them down. It is my deepest hope that you will never forget this — that, whether in the Philippines or elsewhere in the world, you live and work accordingly with the greater good of the public in mind,” Aquino said. These past years, Aquino said he witnessed and had even been at the center of some attempts to balance traditional print and new media, citing as example a forum that was live-streamed on the Internet, documented through social media and with articles to chronicle the event the following day. “On the other hand, I am also told that the majority of, if not all, PAGE A4

Pacquiao thanks Comelec for... PAGE A1

in the May 9 polls, said the Comelec would allow him to fully concentrate on his preparations for the much-awaited bout. “I’m very happy right now because the Comelec came up with a favorable decision. This further motivates me to work hard to ensure victory,” Pacquiao said in a text message relayed by his brother Roel. “This is not for my personal glory. I’m fighting for the honor of our country and to glorify God through sports,” he said. Roel often represents Pacquiao during campaign sorties. Pacquiao said he had been praying for the Comelec not to block the bout. Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said the poll body has decided not to act on the complaints raised by former senator Rene Saguisag and senatorial candidate Walden Bello that the fight will give Pac-

World boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, who is running for senator in the May 9 polls, said the Comelec would allow him to fully concentrate on his preparations for the much-awaited bout. AP photo by Bullit Marquez

quiao undue publicity and advanThe lawmaker had asked jourtage in the senatorial elections. nalists covering his training not Pacquiao earlier claimed that to report on his Senate bid but on the media coverage will be on the his third fight against Bradley. n fight and not on his campaign.

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Dateline USa

NextDayBetter, Doctors Without Borders join forces to reduce price of pneumonia vaccine in PH

NEW YORK – Pneumonia is the leading cause of childhood death in the Philippines. There is a vaccine to prevent the disease, but at about US$45 per child, the price charged to the government by pharmaceutical company Pfizer, this price may become unsustainable to vaccinate all children in the future.NextDayBetter – a storytelling platform for creative diaspora communities – announced on Thursday, March 24 that it is joining Doctors Without Borders’s efforts to encourage pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) – the sole manufacturers of the pneumonia vaccine – to reduce the price of the vaccine to $5 dollars per child in the Philippines and all other developing countries. The pneumonia vaccine is the world’s best-selling vaccine, and last year alone, Pfizer brought in more than US$6 billion dollars in sales just for this product. At the lowest global prices, which the Philippines cannot access, it is now 68 times more expensive to vaccinate a child than in 2001, according to a 2015 MSF report, The Right Shot: Bringing down Barriers to Affordable and Adapted Vaccines. The pneumonia vaccine accounts for about half the price of vaccinating a child in the poorest countries. After years of fruitless negotiations with Pfizer and GSK to lower the vaccine’s price for use in its projects, in 2015, MSF launched the ‘FAIR SHOT’ campaign to ask Pfizer and GSK to reduce the price of the pneumonia vaccine to $5 per child (for all three needed doses). “Due to the high price charged by the companies, many countries where millions of children risk getting pneumonia simply can’t afford it, and for countries such

as the Philippines the high price threatens sustainability of the vaccination program,” said Dr. Greg Elder, Medical Coordinator for MSF’s Access Campaign. NextDayBetter is hoping to amplify the “FAIR SHOT” campaign and make the pneumonia vaccine more accessible to millions of children in the Philippines. “The Philippine diaspora is very involved in the provision of healthcare on this continent, while being extremely well aware of the situation at home. Together, we think we can put pressure on Pfizer and GSK to reduce the price of the vaccine, and speak out against high vaccine prices in the Philippines,” said Elder. To increase awareness about the pneumonia crisis in the Philippines, NextDayBetter will be launching a storytelling campaign that humanizes the people affected by this issue and highlights the

work of Filipinos who are dedicated to improving the quality of public health in the Philippines. The campaign will be launching on NextDayBetter’s multimedia platforms with the intent of inspiring and empowering the Philippine diaspora to take action in effecting change in their homeland. “The Philippine diaspora is overflowing with incredibly talented nurses, doctors, and other leaders in public health who have pioneered breakthroughs in healthcare. We have saved so many people around the world – now we need to focus on our own community back home,” said CEO of NextDayBetter, Ryan Letada. To sign the petition and learn more about the “FAIR SHOT” campaign, visit http://nextdaybetter.com/afairshot/ or email NextDayBetter at curious@nextdaybetter.com

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 1-7, 2016

Kim Wong turns over... PAGE A2 continuing to protect the interest of customer accounts,” the bank said. “New threshold amounts have been established for corporate and individual accounts,” the bank said but did not reveal the new threshold. RCBC said it has also taken action to strengthen the account opening process. “All in-branch account opening will be signed by two officers, each reporting to different units of the bank. Photos will be taken of walk-in clients who are opening accounts,” RCBC said. More cases vs Deguito As this developed, businessman William So Go filed two counts of falsification of private documents against Deguito and her assistant Angela Ruth Torres for allegedly opening fake peso and dollar accounts in his name without his knowledge. In a six-page complaint filed before the office of Makati assistant prosecutor Abner Balo II, Go said he had never opened a peso or dollar account at the RCBC Jupiter branch and that all the documents used for opening the accounts were fake. Go attached copies of a customer information form approved by Deguito and Torres but which bore his forged signature. He said private investigation firm Truth Verifier found his signature to be forged. “Based on the findings mentioned above and a high degree of certainty I hereby conclude

that the questioned signature allegedly signed by one Mr. William S. Go were not signed by one person and was therefore result of simulated forgery,” Truth Verifier said. On March 18, Go filed his first complaint against Deguito and Torres – for falsification of commercial documents, specifically their allegedly having faked his signature on a withdrawal slip for P20 million. The withdrawal was from the supposed peso account of Go’s firm Centurytex. The withdrawal was disputed by another bank officer Romualdo Agarado, who claimed not seeing Go at the Jupiter branch on Feb. 5. Junket operator Wong earlier told the Senate it was he who received the P20 million. Go told reporters after filing the case that his lawyers were building up cases against the management of RCBC for dragging his name into the money laundering scandal. He did not elaborate. “This is the greatest crisis in my life, I’m stressed and my business and company is already affected,” he said. Jail her The businessman said his being linked to the scandal by Deguito has adversely affected his businesses. “I’d like to see Maia Santos Deguito in jail for the embarrassment she has caused me, and the damage she has done to my person and my businesses,” Go told ABS-CBN News Channel before filing the complaint. Go said Deguito had “con-

fessed” to him in a meeting on Feb. 23 at a restaurant in Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, that she had opened the two accounts in his name without his knowledge and authorization. The bank officer, he said, admitted that the accounts were intended to hide funds from Bangladesh. “She already knew then that the money came from Bangladesh,” he said. He added Deguito offered him P10 million in exchange for his silence on the unauthorized opening of the accounts. But Go claimed that he angrily and repeatedly told the branch manager to clear his name and that no amount of money could answer for the damage she had done to him. “She claims that she was a victim of some people she did not name. I was her victim here. I think she is a major player in this scandal,” he said. Go’s lawyer Ramon Esguerra said his client’s profession of innocence was corroborated by RCBC and by Wong’s Senate testimony last Tuesday. “RCBC has cleared Mr. Go. They have concluded that the two accounts opened in his name were bogus, that they were opened with fake documents,” he said. AMLA draft bill As calls for strengthening the law against money laundering mount, the AMLC is preparing to submit to the Senate a draft bill PAGE A4

Fil-Am named AAPI outreach director... PAGE A1

heard and addressed,” a campaign statement emailed to the Asian Journal said. Among his accomplishments are managing the first-ever White House Summit on AAPIs and launching the E3! Ambassadors Program for young leaders, the campaign noted. Tengco, whose parents are from the Philippines, was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and graduated from UCLA with honors with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

In 2014, he was selected as a delegate for the Philippine Embassy’s Filipino American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPro), a weeklong immersion trip that brings young Fil-Am professionals to the Philippines. As election season unfolds, both Democrats and Republicans have continued to reach out to AAPI voters, an electorate considered to double by 2040. A 2015 report from the UCLA Center for the Study of Inequality and Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies found

that the electorate would rise to 12.2 million by then. “Hillary Clinton’s campaign shakeup is a clear indication of her failing effort to win the hearts and minds of Asian American and Pacific Islander voters across the country,” Ninio Fetalvo, the Republican National Committee’s Asian-American and Pacific Islander press secretary, said in an email. “The only consistency with Clinton’s AAPI outreach campaign is that she has and always will take our communities for granted.” (AJPress)

BARRICADED. Another group of farmers from drought-affected towns blocked a stretch of the Sultan Kudarat-Davao Highway in Makilala, North Cotabato on Thursday, March 31 to call on Malacañang to address hunger in the province. North Cotabato, officially called Cotabato province, has been affected by a dry spell since last November. Drought has withered vast swaths of rice and corn in North Cotabato, where majority of residents rely on farming as their main source of income. Some 5,000 farmers barricaded portions of the Cotabato-Davao Highway in North Cotabato’s provincial capital, Kidapawan City, on Wednesday, stranding thousands of motorists and commuters. Photo courtesy of the North Cotabato Provincial Police Office

Dateline USa

APRIL 1-7, 2016 • OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL

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Man in Baltimore nabbed for buying child porn from PH Filipina in California not guilty of kidnapping...

SAN FRANCISCO — A Baltimore, Maryland man was charged with trafficking in child pornography after he was discovered allegedly paying women in the Philippines to send him images of girls engaged in sexual acts. Federal authorities charged Louis Francis Bradley, 65, of Baltimore with distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography. If convicted, Bradley could face five to 40 years in prison for distribution and receipt of child pornography, and up to 20 years for possession. Federal prosecutors allege

young girls engaged in sexually explicit acts. The criminal complaint alleges the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a tip that eight images had been uploaded to a Google+ Photos account linked to Bradley. Armed with search warrants on Bradley’s social media and email accounts, investigators found Facebook conversations with the Louis Francis Bailey. MD sex offender women in the Philippines from registry whom he was buying the images. that Bradley contacted women in They also allege he sent child porthe Philippines over the Internet nography to at least one woman and paid them to send images of there.

PNoy slams media bias... PAGE A1 outlets have demonstrated a tendency to sensationalize titles, or post only provocative portions of articles online purportedly to encourage people to go through the whole piece — a tactic which I understand the generation younger than mine calls ‘click bait.’ Never mind if the reader chooses only to view that particular snippet and assume that they have been presented with the complete story,” he said. The President said the entire situation was complicated further by the fact that these stories published also in print did not seem to adhere to any set standard and more often than not, the art of crafting headlines seemed to favor embellishment and innuendo, as opposed to the facts. “Some articles seem to be written with blatant bias, while others fail to adequately represent the situation accurately. Over the years I’ve increasingly wondered

about this trend in light of the fact that print’s greatest advantage is that it can tell the complete story, whether in one article or in a series, and have that read by a stillstrong readership,” Aquino said. For instance, Aquino said those from the local media were increasingly read by citizens from around the world, perhaps due to the fact that more nations were turning to the region and viewing it as wellsprings of opportunity for collective growth. “They seek information about us, which – and I believe you will be among the first to admit – you would likewise benefit from painting a complete picture,” the President said. “Another example: Myanmar right now is undergoing a very significant transition. Print and indeed all forms of media can impair that transition by highlighting fears and unfounded speculation. The opposite path, what we are glad to be seeing, is that they have

lent their support to this transition by highlighting the good news, by telling the truth about people’s sentiments, their dreams and their efforts to realize that through democratic means,” Aquino said. For his part, Aquino said he promised Filipinos in 2010 that, when he steps down from office, he would leave behind a country in a far better situation. But in the coming elections, he said he was cognizant that his vote would be just like anyone else’s. “When I have voted, I will wait for the results with the rest of the country,” he said. “We believe the successes and reforms of our administration are enough to help our countrymen make the right decision in the upcoming elections; even now, I continue to do my part,” he said. “We face a fork in the road: Will we choose to continue treading the straight path of the past few years? Or will we choose the opposite?” n

Kim Wong turns over...

PAGE A3

amending the Anti-Money Laundering Act or AMLA – specifically inclusion of casinos and the real property sector in the coverage of the law. AMLC is also pushing for “relaxation” of the bank secrecy law. “We also want to shorten the reporting of covered of suspicious transactions, from the present 10 days to just five days,” said AMLC member Dooc of the Insurance Commission. Copies of the draft bill have been handed to AMLC members, including the BSP and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Dooc noted that in the RCBC

case, the amount was withdrawn in less than 10 days after it was deposited or before reports on its existence could be made. “We must have a sense of urgency to review relevant laws, and give more teeth to anti-money laundering laws in the Philippines,” he added. AMLC’s Abad stated in the hearings that lifting certain restrictions in the bank secrecy law – even temporarily – would facilitate the ongoing investigation into the scandal. Chinese hand Sen. Ralph Recto said the controversy has underpinned the need to include casinos in the

sectors covered by AMLA. “We should look at the anomaly of having government be the regulator of the gaming industry as well as an investor in it,” Recto said. He added authorities should look deeper into the involvement of mainland Chinese in the anomaly. “I think the masterminds are Chinese from the mainland or from China. This has all the makings of a made-in-China problem. The problem did not originate here in the Philippines but outside the country,” he said. (With Perseus Echeminada, Jess Diaz, Mayen Jaymalin, Edu Punay, Christina Mendez, Ted Torres)

PAGE A1 back tears although she was heard saying that the verdict had not really sunk in yet. “The support shown by the Filipino community helped her case and uplifted her and my spirit. I have been practicing for ten years and I can say that this was the first time I’ve had protesters supporting my client. So I am grateful for this support and I know Anna is as well,” Barrett stated. Anna’s eldest daughter from a previous relationship, Nichole Nepomuceno, kept consoling, hugging and keeping Anna company. Anna’s own mother, Haydee, was also there to lend much-needed moral support. Child molestation incidents According to the timeline provided for the case, Anna’s plight began in March 2012 when her erstwhile husband, Jeremy Faust, started showing signs of having lewd intentions on her younger daughter, M, as after Anna reportedly saw Faust’s hand moving around M’s sensitive part. Her suspicion was bolstered after she learned in 2013 that Faust had been giving then 16-yearold Nichole unwanted massages since September 2012 when Anna wasn’t home and especially when she was on business trips. In January 2013 Faust allegedly started putting his hand under Nicole’s shirt as the massages became intimate. Faust allegedly even asked Nichole not to tell Anna of the massages so Nichole “wouldn’t get into trouble.” Anna also caught Faust looking at Nichole’s posterior. Anna and Nichole reported the alleged molestation to the American Canyon Police Department, leading to Judge Rodney Stone to grant a move out order against Faust and an emergency protection order (EPO) prohibiting him from having any contact with Anna and Nichole, aside from younger daughter M. Divorce proceedings Anna then filed for divorce in March 2013 the succeeding summons of which accompanied an automatic restraining order (ARO) prohibiting either parent from leaving the state with M without the other parent’s permission. It was not clear whether Anna actually ever saw the ARO. In August 2013, the Napa Sherriff Office (NSO) recommended charges against Faust for violations of Penal Code on annoying or molesting a child under age 18

Nichole and mother Anna Nepomuceno in a tight embrace outside the courtroom after the verdict was read. Migrante Norcal

with respect to Nichole, and lascivious acts on a child under the age of 14 for M. But these were rejected by the Napa District Attorney’s Office (DA) in September 2013 for lack of sufficient evidence. While the divorce case was ongoing, on July 25, 2014, Anna flew to the Philippines with M from SFO to visit Anna’s ailing father. Both mother and daughter had round trip tickets with a return date of August 25, 2014. Her family lawyer dropped her, citing irreconcilable differences, after Anna informed her she was in the Philippines. In Anna’s absence and without a lawyer to represent her, family court Judge Elia Ortiz granted full legal and physical custody of M to Faust and ordered Anna to return M to Napa County. Anna and M failed to return to San Francisco on August 25, 2014. She was able to obtain a permanent restraining order on February 10, 2015 protecting Anna and M from Faust at the Philippines Regional Trial Court. Judge Ortiz granted dissolution of of Anna’s marriage to Faust on December 12, 2014 in Anna’s absence. Arrested at SFO Anna returned by herself to San Francisco on a February 27, 2015 flight from Manila; she was arrested at SFO airport. She was taken to San Mateo County Jail in Redwood City then transferred to Napa County Department of Corrections The Napa Public Defender’s

Office was appointed to represent Anna through then-Deputy Public Defender Stacy Barrett. Anna posted a $100,000 with the help of friends of her family and was released from the Napa County Department of Corrections (NCDC) on March 12, 2015. Deputy District Attorney Holly Quate then moved on November 9, 2015 to amend the original charge of child custody deprivation, which is punishable by up to 3 years in county jail, to a violation of kidnapping with enhancement for purpose of permanently depriving a parent of custody of the child, which is punishable by up to 13 years in state prison. Quate’s motion to amend the charge was granted, and Anna was found not guilty of by the jury before Judge Francisca Tisher in a trial that started February 22, 2016. “We were ready to accept a mistrial outcome as we felt the jurors were taking a long time deciding on a verdict. We were then surprised that there was a unanimous decision that even some of the jurors waited for Anna to come out and hug her,” Lacanilao added. “We are really happy that justice prevailed, that Anna would be reunited with M and we hope that this will no longer happen to any Filipino mother like her,” Lacanilao declared. Several members of Gabriela US came to show support for Nepomuceno. (Jun Nucum/Inquirer.net)

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D ateline PhiliPPines Binay vows no repeat of ‘Yolanda’ suffering by Marc Jayson

cayabyab

Inquirer.net

BORONGAN, Eastern Samar— Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday, March 31 promised victims of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” that they would not go through the same suffering under his administration. He said this during his campaign rally at the provincial capitol gym in Borongan, one of the areas in Eastern Samar severely hit by the supertyphoon in Nov. 8, 2013. As chair of the National Housing Authority (NHA), Binay said he had to apologize to the victims whom he promised to give shelter because funds had not

been released by the national government. “Sa aking pamumuno, ’di mangyayari yung naranasan ninyo sa Region VIII. Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa tapos ang rehabilitation,” Binay said. “Naging Cabinet member ako, may pera po talaga. ’Yun hong pinangakuan ng bahay, sinasabi ko nga, pasiyensya na po, chairman ako ng NHA ha, hindi ho natin magawa lahat ng dapat gawin dahil sa Yolanda, kasi walang nire-release na pera. Ano bang klaseng gobyerno ito?” he added. Yolanda, also known as “Haiyan,” is the world’s strongest typhoon to hit land, killing over

6,000 people mostly in Tacloban. The Vice President lamented that the government was resorting to underspending, at the expense of its beneficiaries, to claim it had a lot of savings. “Gusto lang mayaman para sabihing mayaman, gusto mayabang na maraming pera. Hindi po ’yan ang tamang pamamahala,” he said. In a statement on Thursday, Binay also vowed to build 190,000 houses for the victims of Yolanda during his first year in office. “Sisiguruin kong matapos lahat ng housing projects para sa Yolanda victims sa loob ng unang taon ng aking administrasyon,” he said. A-OKAY. More than a million disabled Filipinos will finally enjoy tax exemptions at par with the perks granted to senior citizens, maximizing the benefits that they deserve under the law. President Aquino has signed into law a bill authored by Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez granting persons with disabilities (PWDs) exemption from the 12-percent value-added tax (VAT) on certain goods and services. Inquirer.net photo

$81-M dirty pile puts OFW money at risk, says Roxas

In this Nov. 9, 2013, photo, Supertyphoon “Yolanda” survivors line up for water a day after the devastation in Leyte province. Inquirer.net photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta

3 SC justices asked to clarify stand on Poe DQ by Edu

Punay Philstar.com

MANILA—A petitioner in the disqualification cases against Sen. Grace Poe has asked three justices of the Supreme Court to make a clear stand on issues involving her eligibility for the presidency. Former University of the East College of Law dean Amado Valdez specifically urged Associate Justices Diosdado Peralta, Mariano del Castillo and Benjamin Caguioa to reconsider their stand to refrain from voting on whether or not Poe is a naturalborn citizen qualified to be president. “We ask the three justices to decide on the issue so that it could be resolved before the elections. We cannot allow this issue to drag on until after the elections,” Valdez said. In their voting on Poe’s case last March 8, the three magistrates opted not to submit their position on the issue, believing there was no need for the high court to rule on it to resolve the case. The 12 other justices took a stand with seven voting that Poe is a natural-born citizen despite being a foundling and five saying otherwise. Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, in his dissenting opinion, said there was no majority ruling on Poe’s eligibility

and citizenship. The only clear ruling of the justices was the 9-6 vote where the majority held that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) committed grave abuse of discretion in disqualifying Poe for material misrepresentation and that the mistakes in her certificate of candidacy (COC) were committed in good faith. Valdez said there is need for the high court to settle the citizenship issue with certainty when they resolve the appeals on the ruling in summer session next month. “If Senator Poe wins, the court will just invoke vox populi (voice of the people) and that will veer away from its duty to ensure that the Constitution is respected,” he stressed. Valdez appealed the SC ruling in a motion for reconsideration he filed last Tuesday, March 29. He asked the high court to reverse its decision and instead rule that Poe is not eligible for the presidency for not being a natural-born citizen and not meeting the 10-year residency requirement under the Constitution. Valdez, one of four disqualification petitioners against Poe, believes that the justices in the SC majority ruling erred in finding grave abuse of discretion on the part of the Comelec that disqualified the senator over material misrepresentations in her

eligibilities. He argued that the high tribunal has set a dangerous precedent as it allows returning residents to merely invoke re-acquisition of citizenship under Republic Act 9225 (Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003) in qualifying for election as naturalborn citizens. “The clear and unequivocal terms of RA 9225 that merely ‘deemed’ the petitioner (Poe) ‘to have reacquired Philippine citizenship,’ and not as naturalborn citizen, cannot be replaced by misapplication and misreading of judicial precedents. In the same vein, the definition in the Constitution of a natural-born citizen does not change with an erroneous understanding of repatriation,” Valdez argued in his appeal. He also supported the plea of the Comelec in its separate appeal, which asked the high court to hold another voting on the issues on citizenship and residency that both remained unresolved in the assailed decision. Valdez joined the three other disqualification petitioners—former senator Francisco Tatad, De La Salle University professor Antonio Contreras and former Government Service Insurance System counsel Estrella Elamparo – in filing a joint motion for reconsideration last March 18.

Bongbong conquers Tarlac. Warm smiles and tight hugs greet vice presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. as he takes his Unity Caravan to Tarlac. Four town mayors (San Manuel, Moncada, Paniqui and Camiling) have given their respective endorsements to his candidacy. Senate photo

Marcos gets One Cebu endorsement by rosEttE

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Philstar.com

MANILA—Vice Presidential candidate and Se. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, March 30 earned the support of One Cebu party. Cebu Fourth District Rep. Benhur Salimbangon said the heads of National Unity Party (NUP) in the fourth district of Cebu, also members of the Once Cebu party, are one in backing Marcos’s vice presidential bid. Salimbangon asked a 2,000strong crowd gathered at the municipality of Bantayan who their vice president is and they responded “Bongbong Marcos.”

Marcos was in Cebu for the second time in campaign upon Salimbangon’s invitation. On the other hand, the host of the event in the vote-rich Cebu, Bantayan Mayor Ian Escario, said his family is a loyal supporter of the Marcoses. “I am the third-generation of Escarios. My grandparents and my parents have been loyal Marcos supporters. I told our people that if they still trust me, we should all unite to support Sen. Bongbong Marcos for vice president,” Escario said. Officials present during the event were former Vice Mayor Dori Cabrera, Romeo Villaceran, and NUP-One Cebu mayoralty

candidates for the towns of Madridejos and Sta Fe. Marcos thanked the people of Bantayan for their endorsement and support. “I am happy that I’m able to go back here and be with all of you again,” Marcos said. Marcos last week expressed hopes of getting the endorsement of Once Cebu Party led by the influential Garcia clan, admitting he already had talks with the bloc. The senator also held his campaign last March 18 seeking to woo 2.7 million registered voters of Cebu. During which, he also earned the endorsement of Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy.

LAUNDERING of $81 million stolen from the Bangladesh Central Bank and wired to the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) Jupiter Branch in Makati City (Metro Manila) endangers remittances of overseas Filipino workers worth at least P26 billion a year. Liberal Party (LP) standardbearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II made the warning as the Senate resumed its investigation on Tuesday, March 29 of the hacking of the $81 million from the Bangladesh Bank reserves at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. “This is a gut issue. If we end up being perceived as a moneylaundering center, the remittances sent by our OFWs will be at risk because remittances are not sent here in mere $30 to $100 dollars. Remittances are gathered by banks before being sent to our country in bulk,” Roxas, a former investment banker, pointed out. “Every anti-money laundering authority in the world is being watchful of our actions on this case, which could slow down the remittances’ flow. If this will be one of those things which will make headlines for one to two weeks only to be forgotten, then foreign authorities will take action, thinking that they can’t be sure that the money being sent and sourced from our country is clean,” he said.

Roxas also raised the alarm on remittances made by exporters as well as foreign investors. “If there is a slowdown of remittances, exporters could end up making loans for their working capital. We can’t spur growth in our economy if the money wired to our country has to be checked by several foreign banks because

they don’t trust our bank regulations,” he said. “That’s why I welcome the Senate investigation and if I will be lucky to be given a chance to be elected as President, I will move for stricter regulations to prevent this case from happening again,” Roxas added. (Llanesca Panti/ ManilaTimes.net)

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April 1-7, 2016 • OC/iE ASiAN JOUrNAl

OpiniOn

Features

Political dynasties galore ACCORDING TO a latest count by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, at least 542 candidates in the May 9 elections are considered sure winners. Not because of superior odds against their opponent—the result of a better program of governance, perhaps, or a more effective grassroots campaign—but simply by default: They are, in fact, running unopposed. One may argue, as reelectionist congressman Arthur Defensor of Iloilo does, that the lack of any adversary in what ought to be an exercise in choosing from a healthy plurality of options is, of and by itself, a win for democracy. “In a way, it is a validation from my constituents that what I have been doing for them is satisfactory,” he said. Is it? Is it really a popular validation, or the pernicious effect of the concentration of power and influence in the hands of an individual, and the family or clan behind him or her, working in earnest to exclude any others from the fiefdom they have created? Out of the 542 unopposed candidates in the May elections, 14 are running for governor, 14 for vice governor, 220 for mayor, 255 for vice mayor, and 39 for district representative. One or two running uncontested as such might be seen as the people acclaiming in advance an overwhelming favorite, but more than 500 across the country tells you something is plain rotten in the state of Philippine politics, with “democratic elections” actually leaving voters no choice but a smorgasbord of preordained—and recycled—faces. Blame political dynasties for the mess. Scratch any of the unopposed candidates and, chances are you’d find members of a political family working full-time to ensure that not even a semblance of a contest threatens their standing as the ultimate gatekeeper and wielder of power in their bailiwicks. A look at the candidates’ surnames reveals that many

are members of families that have held positions or are incumbents in government, and now apparently see it as their birthright to “inherit” such positions, passed on from one family member to the next as in a monarchy. Running unopposed in an election—a situation they are able to machinate by virtue of their grip on their constituency—then becomes, as in the realm of kings and queens, an exercise in virtual anointment. A study by the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center has noted that, from 2004 to 2013, the portions of the country lost to the rule of yet another political dynasty have grown at an alarming rate—47 percent in only 10 years. The story is similar whether set in the Ilocos or Samar or Lanao: A candidate gets elected, consolidates his or her hold on power by building advantage through influence and patronage, starts a dynasty by fielding a family member or members in various positions in the next elections, and eventually entrenches the clan by basically refusing to yield to others the reins of government. The lopsided power structure then leaves voters hostage to the warped situation of having to elect only the candidate imposed on them by their political overlords. This is exactly the unhealthy circumstance foreseen in the 1987 Constitution: “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.” Unfortunately, about two-thirds

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

of Congress, the body tasked to define the law, are themselves the products of political dynasties. The heirs of such patent privilege would be the last to draw a sword against their class by authoring a law that would force their families to give up their political advantage by submitting to a level playing field. Like the ill-fated freedom of information bill, banning political dynasties was another campaign promise on which President Aquino failed to follow through. After a lengthy silence on the issue, the Palace gave belated support to an antidynasty bill.

But at this late stage, it has no hope of passing, let alone making the slightest bit of difference in the perverted circumstances of the May elections, where a vast number of candidates from dominant families are set to get their positions and sinecures in government with no sweat—and the voters with no genuine, discerning hand in their victories. An antidynasty bill has been filed, and consistently rejected, in Congress since 1987. The next president needs to commit to honoring the Constitution, and the Filipino electorate, by getting one finally passed. (Inquirer.net)

Balitang America poll: Duterte surges among Fil-Ams Roxas second, Poe third

AFTER the March 20 Philippine presidential debate in Cebu, The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America” asked its viewers in an online poll: “If the Philippine Presidential Election was held today, who would you vote for?”. The results of the poll aired on March 23 was quite a surprise. The “Dirty Harry” of the presidential slate, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte topped the list with a whopping 60 percent rating among the viewers who voted online. Duterte has taken over former DILG Sec. Mar Roxas, who used to top Balitang America’s Isyu Ngayon online polls in the past. Roxas got 26 percent, despite being highly favored and endorsed by many Fil-Am community leaders in the United States. Sen. Grace Poe, who got the biggest bump in the SWS survey in the Philippines after the said debate, placed fourth with only 9 percent. Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago got 5 percent,

while VP Jejomar Binay got zero vote. The Fil-Am SWS Survey in the Philippines The Social Weather Station Perspective (SWS) conducted surveys in the Philippines to measure how the ratings of the candidates would be affected by the second presidential Gel SantoS-ReloS debate. here are the results: The Bilang Pilipino SWS Mobile Survey of March 22, 2016 has the following new national scores in the Presidential race: Grace Poe 35 percent, Rody Duterte 26 percent, Jojo Binay 18 percent, Mar “Daang Matuwid” Roxas 17 percent, Miriam Defensor Santiago 2 percent, and undecided/others 1 percent. Post-Presidential Debate effects Of the 35 percent who chose Poe in March 22, 25 percent also voted for her in March 18, while 2 per-

cent were former Binay voters, 2 percent were former Roxas voters, 2 percent were former Duterte voters, and 1 percent were former Santiago voters. One percent used to be undecided, while 3 percent did not respond to the March 18 mobile survey. Of the 26 percent who chose Duterte, 19 percent were solid Duterte since March 18, 2 percent switched from Poe, 2 percent switched from Binay, 1 percent switched from Roxas, and 0.3 percent switched from Santiago. Less than 1 percent used to be undecided, while 3 percent did not respond to the March 18 mobile survey. Of the 18 percent who chose Binay, 15 percent were solid Binay since March 18, 1 percent switched from Poe, 0.3 percent switched from Duterte, 0.2

percent switched from Santiago, and 0.1 percent switched from Roxas. None of them used to be undecided, while 2 percent did not respond to the March 18 mobile survey. Of the 17 percent who chose Roxas, 14 percent were solid Roxas since March 18, 1 percent switched from Poe, 0.2 percent switched from Duterte, and 0.1 percent switched from Binay. A marginal 0.3 percent used to be undecided, while 2 percent did not respond to the March 18 mobile survey. WILL POE CARRY THE MOMENTUM UNTIL May 9? Or will Duterte be able to overtake her lead? Can Roxas pull an upset and be voted President? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos

Will the real Grace Poe-Llamanzares please stand up? Street Talk GReG B. MacaBenta RUDY Rosal lived in the squatters’ area across the creek from our house in Paranaque when I hired him as a driver. But he had lofty dreams for himself and his family that he felt he couldn’t achieve by ferrying me and my family in our jalopy. Thus, at the first opportunity, he and his wife signed up with a labor recruiter and went off to work in Saudi Arabia. Rudy and his wife became Overseas Contract Workers or OCWs. That term is no longer in common usage, having been replaced with the term Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). According to Google, “The term OFWs was officially adopted under the President Fidel V. Ramos Administration to give recognition to millions of Filipinos who sacrifice by working in other countries.” At any rate, there is a world of difference between OFWs and the other kinds of overseas Filipinos, namely, immigrants or naturalized citizens of their country of residence or foreign students, as in the case of Sen. Grace Poe-Llamanzares, based on her account of her initial stay in the United States. Joe Molano, the former execu-

tive director of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, has taken pains to make this distinction, perhaps because of the unique status and the travails of the millions of Filipino contract workers laboring—often suffering—in foreign countries. On one of my visits to Manila, Rudy suddenly appeared at our house, driving a nice-looking van. He was rightly proud of his possession, referring to it as “katas Saudi”—literally, the “juice” (or fruit) of working in Saudi Arabia. “I just want you to know that my family and I are doing well,” said Rudy. “Our children have all finished college. One of them is an engineer, another one is a teacher. We’re no longer squatters. We bought a little house in Paranaque. Lahat iyan, kuya, katas Saudi.” I told Rudy that I felt really good, hearing that from him. But, at that point, the sheer hypocrisy of Sen. Grace Poe-Llamanzares suddenly came into stark focus. You see, she has often described herself as “also an OFW.” Apparently, in an effort to ingratiate herself with the millions of Filipinos working abroad, in oil fields and factories, as seamen, teachers, caregivers, nurses or domestics, Poe-Llamanzares has tried to portray her life in America as being similar to that of the overseas Filipino workers. Does she realize how spiteful she is when she compares her affluent life in America with that of the average OFWs? Being an overseas Filipino my-

self and having lived in the US for nearly 30 years, I would be embarrassed to compare my relatively comfortable circumstances with that of our countrymen trying to earn a living in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and in Hong Kong and Singapore. It’s like rubbing salt on a wound. In case Poe-Llamanzares is still blissfully unaware of the harsh realities of eking out the equivalent of “katas Saudi,” here is an excerpt from an article by Shakira Sison of Rappler, published in May 2014: “…there are a few things they don’t tell you about the OFW life; things that are often kept secret from those we leave behind…hard and menial work, long hours, or getting scolded by an employer. Nobody talks about the constant immigration struggle, or the fear involved in the life of an undocumented immigrant. “Cramped quarters and poor living conditions rarely make it to Facebook posts. We don’t talk about bad bosses, layoffs, or the complete physical or emotional exhaustion overseas jobs guarantee. Nobody puts in a status update that they came as a nurse or a scientist but actually work as nannies. Nobody brags about being a tenured professor in the Philippines who works as a factory worker abroad. We do what we can and we keep the drama away from home, even if our lives aren’t exactly what we imagined. At least our families can imagine otherwise.” Needless to say, Poe-Llaman-

zares never experienced any of that. To claim that she has is not just hypocrisy but dishonesty. By trying to sell herself as something completely detached from reality, she is no different from a used car salesman glibly pushing a newly-painted heap to a naïve and unsuspecting first time buyer. Sadly, the counterfeit OFW claim isn’t the only problem with this person who would like to become president of the country. In recent weeks, the unraveling of the many facets of the life of Poe-Llamanzares has begun to make one wonder who or what she really is. She has portrayed herself as the epitome of honesty and integrity but recent public records unearthed by investigative journalists indicate that she may have a dark side of her ostensibly pristine character. Records in the US exposed by Philippine Daily Tribune editorpublisher Ninez Cacho-Olivares indicate that a certain Llamanzares Grace P., with the same date of birth of the lady senator, used two sets of social security numbers, one of them belonging to a deceased person. According to US law, that is a felony punishable by imprisonment and a fine. Poe-Llamanzares has acknowledged both SSNs while claiming that the supposedly illicit one was really her school ID number at Boston College. In fact, a student enrolling in a US college is routinely asked for a social security number. Lacking one, the

school may assign a number to the student. But, unless, there have been coincidences that only the supernatural can explain, the fact that her school ID number is exactly the same as the SSN of a deceased US national could mean that she claimed that number as hers, which was why it was assigned as her school ID number. Another coincidence that perhaps the supernatural can explain is why and how that same combination of numbers – 00503-1988 – has appeared in US records as having been used by a certain Llamanzares Grace P. in circumstances remote to Boston College. Poe-Llamanzares has accused a rival presidential candidate of refusing to appear before a Senate sub-committee investigating allegations of corruption, criticizing him of resorting to denials. And yet, when Cacho-Olivares took up the dare to come up with proof of the allegations of illegal use of a deceased person’s social security number in America, PoeLlamanzares resorted to exactly the same tactic: Denials. Apparently, she has had the advantage of having media that have conveniently failed to print any follow stories on a matter more serious than the gossip they have routinely sensationalized. Poe-Llamanzares, according to the findings of the Commission on Elections, willfully misrepresented her residency in the Philippines in order to qualify as a presidential candidate. She also

applied for dual citizenship as a “natural born Filipino” by claiming that she was the biological child of Fernando Poe, Jr. and Susan Roces. She must have known that it was not the truth. Was it really an “honest” mistake? Her own presidential platform is founded on a fictional premise: She will ostensibly continue the good work of her father, the late Fernando Poe, Jr. As someone who used to work in the Filipino movie industry, I am aware of the many acts of kindness and beneficence that FPJ showed to people in the industry, but beyond that, he never really did any “good work” that would qualify as a meaningful presidential platform as, say, achievements in land reform or employment generation or social welfare or national defense or the fight against poverty or criminality or even achievements in local governance. FPJ’s achievements were mainly those depicted in his many fictional roles as a defender of the oppressed. Thus, Poe-Llamanzares, by promoting herself on the basis of fictional achievements and credentials and claiming to be a person of unsullied integrity, is no better than a used car salesman passing off a heap to an unsuspecting buyer as a vehicle in tip-top condition. In sum, this presidential candidate still has to tell us the truth about herself. Will the real Grace Poe-Llamanzares please stand up? (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 1-7, 2016

Escudero: No friction, rift with Poe by Maila

ager Inquirer.net

RAGING FIRE. The forest fire in the North Cotabato side of Mt. Apo has been contained as of Monday, March 28. It, however, continues to rage in the Davao del Sur side of the country’s highest peak, according to latest reports. Joey Recemilla, Kidapawan city tourism officer, said at least 200 volunteers from the towns of Makilala and Magpet and this city were deployed in the base camp in Lake Venado to ensure that the fire would not reach the Kidapawan-Magpet-Makilala (KMM) eco-tourism triangle. Recemilla said the volunteers, armed with spades, rakes, bolos and chainsaws, conducted clearing operations and built a buffer line to stop the fire from spreading to the remaining flora and fauna around the lake, and the 72-hectare reforestation area of the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) operating the Mount Apo Geothermal Power Plant in the North Cotabato side. Inquirer.net photo by Ryan Mark Asturias

Duterte assures media protection if elected by rosette

adel

Philstar.com

MANILA—Presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte vowed that media practitioners will be protected under his presidency. Duterte called for greater protection of journalists in the country whose works he described as “under dangerous and even deadly conditions.” “The state must protect the media,” Duterte said. “In a democracy, the role of media is very important. In the absence of a credible opposition party, you can rely on the media,” he added. On Wednesday, March 30, the

National Press Club challenged the presidential candidates to lay down their agenda for the media and their plans to address the media killings in the country. Duterte said the media brings the wrongdoings and shortcomings of the government to the public’s attention and its role exposes them to danger. Duterte’s spokesperson Peter Laviña said the presidential candidate will establish special courts and prosecution panels to handle cases of media killings as well as offer rewards and incentives for the immediate arrest, prosecution and conviction of the killers. Laviña said Duterte will order police investigators and pros-

ecutors to resolve the cases in a limited time to hasten the justice for slain journalists. “If not, they might as well look for another job,” he added. Duterte’s spokesperson said the mayor has been a staunch protector of media rights, respecting the media’s role as the “Fourth Estate” and never questioning them when they write or say anything critical of his administration. He cited that the mayor never filed any libel case against a journalist. According to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, there has been 170 journalists killed since 1986, 30 of which occurred under the current administration.

Azkals stun North Korea behind late goals by randolph

B. leongson Inquirer.net

THE Philippines ended its 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers campaign in style, shocking North Korea, 3-2, Tuesday, March 29 at Rizal Memorial Stadium. Missing key fixtures in the match, the Azkals still were able to pull off the miracle against the fancied Korean side. Misagh Bahadoran scored the opening goal on a header follow-

ing a deflected attempt from Javier Patiño at the 43rd minute. However, So Kyung Jin immediately leveled the score just before the half. North Korea continued to pounce on the Azkals in the second half, with Ri Hyok Chol scrapping for the goal on a wild sequence to give his side the lead at the 48th minute. But the Azkals kept on pushing, firing exquisite passes which led to a Manny Ott goal at the

84th minute and a stunning Iain Ramsey goal at the 90th. The Azkals ended the second round at third place in Group H with 10 points after three wins and a draw in eight games, putting them in a prime position to advance to the AFC Cup third round. North Korea, meanwhile, saw its bid for the group’s top spot derailed as it stayed in second place with 16 points on five wins and a draw.

SENATORS Grace Poe and Francis “Chiz” Escudero vehemently denied on Wednesday, March 30 any friction or rift in their tandem, saying such talks were just part of political intrigues. Escudero was responding to a reporter’s question that parties within their camp pushing for alliances with other candidates have causing friction between him and Poe. Poe also denied this, despite some observations that she and her running mate had been conducting separate sorties lately. “Hindi naman. E nandito naman kami ni Senator Chiz sa Pangasinan. Ito ang lugar ni FPJ (Fernando Poe Jr.) at gusto ko rin naman dalhin din dito palagi si Senator Chiz para ipakilala siya sa ating mga kababayan. (Not really. Senator Chiz and I are here in Pangasinan. This is FPJ’s hometown and I wanted to bring Senator Chiz here often to introduce him to our fellow constituents),” she said in a separate interview. “Natural lamang ‘yon, sa lawak ng Pilipinas, na minsan hindi kayo magkasama ng tandem ninyo. Pero ‘pag nag-iikot naman ako palagi ko namang binabanggit si Senator Chiz at ganoon din naman siya. (Because of the Philippines’ landmass, it would be natural that sometimes, my running mate and I run separate campaign sorties. But whenever I go around, I always mention Senator Chiz and he also does the same for me),” Poe added. Escudero said there was also no truth to the issue that he and Poe had a silent war after the latter received the endorsement of her godfather, former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada. Estrada threw his support behind Poe and Escudero’s rival Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. “Sa lahat ng tandem, kami na ni Senator Grace ang may pinakamatagal na pinagsamahan, ang may pinakamaraming pinagdaanan na mga hamon sa nagdaang panahon; hindi tulad ng ibang mga tandem ngayon (na) ngayon lang yata sila nagkasama at nagkakilala. So hindi uubra (ang) ano mang tangka nila na basagin ang aming tandem, lalo na ang aming pagkakaibigan. (Of all the tandems, Senator Grace and I have the longest friendship and have overcome most challenges along the way, unlike other tandems who

probably have just met and spent time together recently. So, whatever their plans to break apart our tandem, especially our friendship, will not work),” Escudero said. Escudero served as the spokesman of Poe’s adoptive father, the late action king Fernando Poe Jr., when the latter ran for president in the 2004 elections but lost to then President and now detained Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. In 2013, Poe and Escudero ran together for senator under the administration’s ticket. Sen. Chiz Escudero

April 1-7, 2016 • OC/iE ASiAN JOUrNAl

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april 1-7, 2016

Don Ellis Aguillo, graphic artist & illustrator

ExprEssing himsElf in A wAy thE worlD hAsn’t sEEn by Malou liwanag-Bledsoe / aJPress

Ne would think that artists are “a dime a dozen,” creating the impression that when one draws, paints and/or create something, you can be labeled as an “artist.” In reality, only a small number can be called that, and that honor does not come lightly. One’s style and reason for doing such art comes to play. an artist can’t just paint a picture and not know the meaning behind it. It’s like a comic book or a graphic novel — there has to be a story. Graphic artist and illustrator Don ellis aguillo defines such style, describing it as “a marriage between graphic novel/comic book,” adding that it has “painterly sensibility.” His creations are not merely copies of his favorites from the comic book world, but rather an update to pull them into the current times. Born in 1984 in Quezon City, Philippines, aguillo’s father, Fred, (who is from Cagayan in Northern

Luzon) migrated to the United States to work as an engineer. His mother, Heidi first went to work in the United arab emirates before following his father. Later in 1989, aguillo traveled to the US with his brother to Pennsylvania. The art of Aguillo art came natural for him at a young age. explaining that he always had an affinity for it, he found ways to incorporate it into his schoolwork. “The meticulous nature and attention to detail made for a great foray into sciences and so at a young age. Though I was artistic, I was convinced I would follow [footsteps] to pursue something in the medical field,” he said. “It took freshman year at Penn State University to realize I need to let that go and pursue the dream that was in my heart — which was illustration and design.” He also added that his early inspiration was his brother, who

was always a step ahead of him artistically in their younger years copying cartoons from TV and comic books. “When he set down his pencil, I continued on, exploring color, line and composition in a recreational way on my own through elementary, high school and eventually graduating with honors in fine arts.” Today, aguillo’s influences come from both art worlds— Caravaggio, Leonardo Da Vinci, edgar Degas and Jack Vettriano from the classical; and Simone Bianchi, Joe madureira and Chris Bachalo from the modern, comic book world. “Though I pay attention to line, I think my work deals more with color and light, trying to make fantastical creations, situation, environments and characters that are grounded in the familiar physics of this one,” he said. Keeping a connection to his culture and roots In spite of his non-Filipino art inspirations, aguillo is firmly connected to his roots. apart from being a graphic designer and illustrator by trade, he is also a 3rd degree black belt martial arts instructor, and a dancer with the Parangal Dance Company of San Francisco. His work has also been part of the dance troupe’s marketing collaterals, and has been part of Kularts’ Kwentohan: Superheroes edition series in Soma. “Being Filipino-american definitely factored into my haven taken up part as a chosen field in many ways,” he shared. “There was a lot of pressure, especially being sensitive to my parents’ struggle to come to the US in the first place and observing their full commitment to their life’s work, to eventually take up law or medicine (or something equivalent) in order to achieve a level of prestige with my professional life. I realized that if I didn’t follow my heart, so to speak, with art, that part of me would die, and it wouldn’t honor or give integrity to their struggle, to pursue something half-heartedly.”

It does not mean, however, that there weren’t any challenges along the way. In fact, aguillo believes that being taken seriously as an artist in this day and age is an ever-evolving challenge. “Things from anticipating budgeting for freelance work, to evaluating my own work for its worth in a market has been tough for me as I pour my heart and soul into every creation, otherwise I won’t pursue the project. I think it’s also a wonderful challenge to be in such a saturated market because it forces you to continue learning your strengths, new developments and most importantly, where you are weakest in your skill and expression of your sensibilities and perception of the world. It’s a constant, but welcome, struggle, to offer something different, new, fresh, but also cultural important and relevant. You can’t always be successful at it, but continuing on and developing that ability to offer that perspective to the world is what is valuable to the art.” at the moment, aguillo and his friend, fellow artist, Rafael Salazar are continuing

to develope the Kwentohan: Superheroes edition series with Kularts, seeing it as a vehicle for giving the disenfranchised and dwindling Filipino population of the Soma district a voice and a place in its own popular culture. “We want to continue developing that visual world and its characters and narrative and see where that goes in the future,” he said. also, the two friends and other resident artists in San Francisco are pursuing a publication under the name, “In Hiatus,” which will spotlight snippets of larger graphic novel works that they’ve developed. These graphic novels all follow themes of journeys, near and far, their significance in their lives. It will span several genres — political commentary, sci-fi, sword and sorcery, modern noir and classical superhero tales. “We hope to publish by late summer in time for the San Francisco Comic Con this September at which we will be available to sell the printed publication and other work we’ve developed ourselves.” he said. as for aspiring artists, aguillo advises them to continue creating,

in spite of the challenges that may come their way. “San Francisco is such a rich hub that is open to developing not only its own melting pot, but also the preservation of existing and classical cultures and modes of creative expression,” he shared and then added, “Though the storm of rising cost of living, difficulty in maintaining residence due to gentrification and other difficult economic sources, it’s important to stay true to the spirit of this city and maintain a strong connection with your cultural and creative roots as they are what makes the day-to-day come alive. Keep creating, and if you don’t feel you are a creator, then try learning a discipline or craft through which you can express yourself in a way the world hasn’t seen yet.” For more information about Don ellis aguillo and his work: Web : www.donaguillo.com Facebook: www. facebook.com/ donaguilloillustrationdesign/ Instagram: @ theinkwellrunsdry / @ marvelworld Deviantart: http://daguillo84. deviantart.com

Ogie, Regine keep their faith AlDub to offer something we’ve all been waiting for alive with worship concert by dolly

anne CarvaJal Inquirer.net

Name it, Ogie alcasid and Regine Velasquez have achieved it all. But they don’t let the trappings of success turn into a trap. The Songwriter and the Songbird recognize the bigger “Star” in their lives—Jesus Christ. They will pay homage to the Lord in “Reborn: 1 Walker Worship Concert” on april 3. even if it’s no longer Holy Week, we should keep our faith burning. Let Ogs and Reg lead the way. Here’s my tête-à-tête with Ogie: What’s more fulfilling— performing in a Christian concert or in your usual shows? Nothing compares to singing for the Lord. Doing a praise concert is different because you actually don’t sing for the audience. Our band leads the singing to worship our Creator.

Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid

What made you and Regine put up a Christian band? Reg and I thought of putting up 1 Walker (our worship band) because we wanted to sing for the Lord in church. 1 Walker is a place where our faith grew. However, I think God had other plans. The Light of Jesus (religious community) of Bo Sanchez, through Randy Borromeo, invited our band to perform in the Kerygma

aLDeN Richards and maine mendoza announced that they’re preparing for an anniversary project this July. “mayro’n po kaming surprise sa buong alDub Nation,” alden announced when they were launched as Bench endorsers, Philippine entertainment Portal reported. He even hinted that the project is “something everyone has been waiting for.” maine added that “tiyak na matutuwa kayo. maganda, magandang anniversary gift iyon sa inyo.” This project is a follow up to conference last year and now their first movie together “my they are producing our coming Bebe Love: Kilig Pa more!” which concert for anawim Foundation. was one of the entries in the 2015 What’s in store for OPM this metro manila Film Festival. 2016? It was in July when alden and OPm has many projects lined maine’s love team started in “eat up. I am finally releasing my new Bulaga’s” Juan For all, all for Juan album, called “Ikaw ang Buhay segment. The discovery of their Ko,” under Universal Records. love team led to a new segment When do you and Reg plan to under the show’s segment which have another baby? God probably has other plans Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza is preparing for their anniversary project this July, they called “Kalyeserye.” (Philstar. dedicated to their fans. Philstar.com photo by Efigenio Toledo com) for us in the baby department.

April 1-7, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

Seafood City celebrates successful Community Night at its newest South San Francisco branch South San Francisco—An event that has become a tradition for Seafood City – the Community Night – was held tuesday, March 30 at the newest branch of the large Filipino-owned supermarket chain on 3537 Callan Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA. this is Seafood City’s 23rd store and its seventh in Northern California. As Seafood City Marketing Manager Mildred Smith said, “this Community Night aims to spark and build relationship with our new community. the night celebrates ‘true Filipino Goodness’ by sharing our culture, values and Filipino culinary heritage. this is our way of getting to know and being a part of our new South San Francisco families and friends.” the event which was graced by Seafood City Chairman Steve Go and CEo Carlos Go was attended

At the ceremonial ribbon-cutting are (L-R) South San Francisco Mayor Mark Addiego, Seafood City Chairman Steve Go, South San Francisco Councilman Richard Garbarino, ABS-CBN Global COO Raffy Lopez, Consul Reginald Bernabe, and event co-hosts TFC Balitang America’s Desk Editor Henni Espinosa and Seafood City Marketing Manager Mildred Smith. Newly elected Gawad Kalinga USA President Maricel Villanueva launches the “Kusina ng Kalinga” donation project at all Seafood City Stores. With her are Seafood City Chairman Steve Go and Henni Espinosa of Balitang America. One of the performers provided by CEO Christina Luna of The Luna Co. is popular violinist Corey Crywolffs. Other performers provided by The Luna Co are Kristine Sinajon, Sina and Mark Davis, Jackie Chavez and Kulintronica. Meanwhile, St Andrew’s Children’s Choir also performed and received a check donation from Seafood City.

by government officials led by Mayor of South San Francisco Mark Addiego, Mayor of Daly City David Canepa andConsul Reginald Bernabe who represented Consul General henry S. Bensurto, Jr. of the Philippine Consulate General of San Francisco, members of media, and

ABS-CBN Global COO Raffy Lopez congratulates Seafood City and commits to a solid community partnership as program co-host Henni Espinosa of TFC’s Balitang America listens; Seafood City Chairman Steve Go with South San Francisco Mayor Mark Addiego as he welcomes the popular supermarket chain to the city; Consul Reginald Bernabe delivers the message of Consul General Henry Bensurto, Jr. for Seafood City and the community; Daly City Mayor David Canepa gives a city recognition to Seafood City Chairman Steve Go, shown here with Daly City Councilman Mike Guingona and program co-host Henni Espinosa.

business and community leaders. ABS-CBN Global Coo Raffy Lopez led the team from ABS-CBN the Filipino Channel (tFC) in showing full support for Seafood City, a strong community partner of the network. “tFC’s vision of serving the Filipinos and bringing the essence of the homeland to them wherever they may be aligns with Seafood City’s effort to ‘celebrate true Filipino goodness at your Filipino town.’ It makes good sense to partner with another Filipino establishment like Seafood City with its proven history of providing a dynamic hub where Filipinos can shop, dine, get together and feel at home,” said Lopez. In the message of Consul General Bensurto, Jr. which was delivered by Consul Bernabe, he emphasized: “today’s store opening highlights once again the example set by Seafood City in showcasing empowerment

through Filipino American entrepreneurship and in fostering the spirit of community, connectivity and continuity. Seafood City is an example of the profile of the present day FilipinoAmerican - forward-looking, determined, dynamic and hard working. We are not just gainfully employed, Seafood City proves that Filipino-Americans also provide gainful employment to other members of the Community.” Consul Bernabe, reading the message, emphasized: “today’s store opening highlights once again the example set by Seafood City in showcasing empowerment through Filipino American entrepreneurship and in fostering the spirit of community, connectivity and continuity. Seafood City is an example of the profile of the present day FilipinoAmerican - forward-looking, determined, dynamic and hard working. We are not just gainfully

ABS-CBN TFC showed full support for Seafood City as a community partner. (L-R) TFC dealers Junjun Pacifico and Aleli Cabunoc, Sam Simbulan of ABS-CBN Engineering, ABS-CBN Head for Dealer Management Malou Garcia, ABS-CBN North America Head of Ad Sales, Trade & Events Ricky Resurreccion, ABS-CBN Global COO Raffy Lopez, Seafood City CEO Carlos Go, ABS-CBN Global Head of Marketing Pam Castillo, ABS-CBN Marketing Specialists Cherry Laraya and Gemma Brion, and ABS-CBN Global Head of Carriage and Regional Marketing Head for North America Jun Del Rosario. Photos by NMFernandez

employed, Seafood City proves that Filipino-Americans also provide gainful employment to other members of the Community.” the Consul General’s message also echoed what Lopez said about connecting to home: “Seafood City is no ordinary supermarket or a place to eat; it provides a venue by which Filipino culture is promoted. It allows our Community and other communities to connect with one another through food, an important and binding element

in any gathering - be it Filipino or otherwise through food, and food in cultures, we learn to appreciate and bond with each other better and bridge our gaps and differences. In this, Seafood City proves itself true to its vision of being the place to gather and feel like you are in your home. A home that provides generations opportunities to appreciate and connect with our heritage and our motherland.” (Advertising Supplement)

ABS-CBN North America Head of Ad Sales, Trade Marketing & Events Ricky Resurreccion, community leader and recent EDSA 30 speaker Gloria Navarette, Philippine American Press ClubUSA President, Inquirer.net Vice President for Marketing & Sales and Regional Director for North America Boots Chavez, ABS-CBN Global COO Raffy Lopez and Balitang America Desk Editor Henni Espinosa; Seafood City Marketing Manager Mildred Smith and ABS-CBN Global Head of Carriage and Regional Marketing Head of North America Jun Del Rosario explain the Seafood City-TFC “Suki” Card tie-up ; Del Rosario, GTI President Olive Clavio who came from Los Angeles, and Resurreccion are among the business leaders at the Community Night.

April 1-7, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

10 PH destinations that should be on your summer go-to checklist by Krizia

Dela Inquirer.net

Cruz

The summer season has officially begun in the Philippines. The country is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, after all. There are pristine beaches, breathtaking sunsets, beautiful mountains and hills, stunning architecture, a rich cultural heritage and not to mention, lots of fun to be had with your travel buddies, tourist friends and returning balikbayans. Check out the following Philippine destinations and start planning your trip to any of the ten, stat: 1. Bukal Falls, Laguna Take a dip in the icy cold waters of Bukal Falls, a hidden gem just three hours from the metro. A short trek leads you to this dazzling sight of crimson-colored rocks in perfect contrast with the crystal clear spring water. Makes you want to take a picture with no hDR needed, and upload on Instagram right away.

Bukal Falls, Laguna

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Palawan

2. Paoay Sand Dunes Want to take a truly off-thebeaten path? A trip to the north will give you the adventure that you’ve been looking for. You can try your hand at sand boarding, brave the 4×4 ride on the uneven terrain or just watch the majestic view of the sunset. 3. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Palawan It’s no wonder that this prime diving spot is included on the list. This UNeSCO World heritage

Puerto Princesa Underground River

Siargao, Surigao del Norte

Masungi Georeserve, Rizal

Inquirer.net photos

Site boasts of 10,000 hectares of beautifully conserved coral reefs that houses hundreds of species of fish, sharks, dolphins, whales, birds and sea turtles. 4. Mt. Pulag, Benguet If you’re looking for a respite from all the noise of the city, why not take a walk in a sea of clouds? The highest peak in Luzon is, of course, a challenging climb. Fear not, for you will be instantly rewarded with this impressive view at the summit.

Paoay Sand Dunes

El Nido, Palawan

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Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

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5. Vigan City, Ilocos Sur history buffs would love walking on the cobblestone streets of Vigan, another UNeSCO World heritage site and one of the New7wonders. Ride the kalesa and be transported back to the Spanish colonial period with the fusion of Asian and european architectural styles on Calle Crisologo. If you’re feeling artsy, you could visit a pagburnayan and learn the art of pottery. Don’t forget to munch on some good ‘ol empanada with sukang Iloco as you watch the lovely dancing fountain show at Plaza Salcedo. 6. Puerto Princesa Underground River Gaze at the majestic rock formations this paradise has to offer. At 8.2 km, it is considered the longest accessible underground river in the world. Its beautifully preserved limestone karst landscape also makes it a sight to behold. Be prepared to say hi to some bats hanging around the cave. 7. Siargao, Surigao del Norte Dubbed as the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao is home to Cloud 9, one of the best surf spots in the world. Aside from its world-famous surf breaks, this tropical getaway is also known for its serene white sand beaches and islands worthy of a postcard. 8. Masungi Georeserve, Rizal explore the great outdoors in a conservation area like Masungi Georeserve. Feel like the world is your playground at the Discovery

Mt. Pulag, Benguet

Aliwagwag Falls, Davao Oriental

Trail, which is peppered with rope bridges and nets against 66 million year old limestone formations. Instagram-worthy spots include the Duyan, a giant hammock hanging high up on the forest and the Sapot, a suspended structure that resembles a spider web set against the view of the Sierra Madre mountains. 9. Aliwagwag Falls, Davao Oriental Marvel at the scenic view of these multi-tiered waterfalls. Recognized as the highest

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waterfalls in the Philippines, it is best seen through the 55 meters high zipline for a bird’s eye view of the forest. 10. El Nido, Palawan expect nothing less from “the world’s best island.” Adventure enthusiasts may go on a hike at Taraw Peak or even try shark diving! Make the most out of your trip and go island hopping, which includes kayaking at the lagoons of Miniloc Island or just enjoying the peaceful view of the sunset at the beach.

April 1-7, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

Karla Estrada on her own by Boy

ABundA Philstar.com

She is known by younger audiences as the charming mother of Teen King Daniel Padilla — but now Karla estrada is steadily proving herself to be an entertainment force on her own. A natural comedian and a powerful singer (her talents were recently showcased in the first season of ABS-CBN’s “Your Face Sounds Familiar”), Karla is currently one of the resident hurados of “It’s Showtime’s” Tawag ng Tanghalan and has been an indemand guest in ABS-CBN’s game and talk shows. This wasn’t always the case. In the beginning, Karla was perceived as content to just ride on the coattails of her son. Daniel was the “star” of the family, and Karla, the supportive mother, remained in the background. But then slowly, her own career started to gain ground until “Your Face Sounds Familiar” came along, and all of a sudden, she found herself with her own growing fan base, and her own title — The Queen Mother — to boot. eventually, ABS-CBN decided to capitalize on this by offering her a contract. Karla laughingly recalls her reaction when the idea of working full-time for the network was brought up. “I just laughed. That was my first reaction. ‘Ayoko!’ Gano’n ang sabi ko kay Tita Cory (Vidanes). Tapos sabi niya, ‘Ano ka ba, sige na, maganda ‘yon.’ Sagot ko, ‘O sige Tita, pero ‘wag mo akong gawing kalabaw.’ Tawa siya ng tawa. Ibig kong sabihin, ‘Wag mo ako i-loaded ng work ha, kasi siyempre, nakita ko si Daniel, how he works, every day. I could not do that.” She was also concerned about no longer being able to spend time with her kids if she said yes to the offer. “hindi naman dahil na gusto ko talagang tumanggi or something, but this is the first time I’ll get to take care of my children, ‘yung totally relaxed lang ako and I’m able to supervise them 24 hours a day.”

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Karla Estrada holds her first major solo concert titled “The Queen Mother…Live in Concert” on April 30 at the Kia Theater.

But Karla’s children knew that she had unfulfilled dreams, and after their mother had devoted her life to raising them, now it was time for her to step out and go after her own dreams and destiny. They were (and are) 100 percent supportive. “Alam nila na hindi pa ako tapos, na bitin pa ako sa first page ng buhay ko,” says Karla. “And my children are outgoing as well. Kumbaga, okey sa kanila na nakikita ako sa TV kasi sila mismo, tawang-tawa din sa akin.” Another consideration for saying “yes” was that Karla felt she was being handed a golden opportunity to give back to the people who believe in her. “I always say that if someone gives you an offer, it means someone trusts you. At kung may nagtiwala sa iyo, bakit hindi, di ba? ‘Yung iba, binebenta ang sarili para pagkatiwalaan, ako nilapitan nila. Kaya sobrang nakakaproud. Sobrang nakaka-flatter.” So she did — and before long, projects started to come her way.

She’s especially thankful that she’s been given a chance to go back to her first love, which is singing. Karla is about to headline her first major solo concert, titled “The Queen Mother…Live in Concert” on April 30 (four days after Daniel’s birthday) at the Kia Theater. The show is produced by Cornerstone Concerts. For sure, there are critics who will raise their eyebrows at the idea of a major concert, but those behind the show believe it’s high time, and that Karla is more than capable of delivering. “We find it fitting to create a concert for her at this very opportune time as a treat to her increasing fan base. It is also Karla’s way of celebrating her career and love for music together with really close friends (like Vice Ganda) and her beautiful family,” says Jeff Vadillo of Cornerstone Concerts. It’s a challenge for Karla, but she’s excited about this second chance to prove herself and what she’s capable of.

Celina was the main villain of Claudine Barretto-starring drama series “Mula sa Puso,” where Punzalan’s laugh became iconic. Punzalan has been away for more than 15 years, but clarified that she didn’t leave the industry permanently. however, her marriage made her decide that “it was a good step na iwan muna lahat ng ito at magconcentrate sa buhay may asawa, na wala pa masyadong nakikialam sa buhay ko.” “I really want to make my family work, my marriage work. So kailangan maging priority ‘yon para sa akin,” she noted. She now has a two-year-old daughter who is with her in the Philippines while she’s shooting for the soap opera. Asked if she’s willing to do another project after “The Story of Us,” Punzalan said it’ll depend on what she and her husband will Princess Punzalan with “The Story Of Us” stars Kim Chiu and Xian Lim. Inquirer.net photo decide later on. (Philstar.com) kasi unang-una, na-miss ko talaga makatrabaho ang ABS-CBN,” she said about accepting the project, in an interview on Tuesday, March 30. “Since naging very iconic ang character na Celina, I wanted to do something else na drama, may paka-kontra bida, pero ibang take naman. So ‘yon ang challenge for me,” she added.

‘This Time’ a summer movie for JaDine by Ver

PAulino

Philstar.com

AFTeR the success of their first primetime series, ABS-CBN’s “On The Wings of Love” (OTWOL), reallife sweethearts James Reid and Nadine Lustre (JaDine) are gearing up for the big screen again with their latest movie This Time. James and Nadine recently made public the real status of their relationship. They confessed that they are finally a couple during their sold-out concert “JaDine in Love” last February at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The popular love team and their fans are happy that Viva Films has given them another project immediately after their TV series. In “This Time,” James portrays the role of Coby while Nadine plays Ava. Coby and Ava are childhood friends who see each other only during summer vacations. James and Nadine have been a love team since the 2014 film Diary ng Panget, and during a recent visit to the “This Time” set in Tarlac, James admitted that in the past two years that they’ve been together doing movies, TV shows and commercials, both of them have certainly gotten to know

America

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Princess Punzalan left showbiz for family ONe of the popular Filipina villains is back as she stars in the ABS-CBN primetime series “The Story of Us.” She’ll portray the role of Clodette, the mother of CJ (Bryan Santos), the third wheel in the relationship of Macoy and Tin. “No’ng pinadala sa akin ang character sketch, na-excite ako

Calendar of Events across

laureate Open House Tours, from 8-10am during the spring semester on Friday, April 1. Eagle Rock Junior/Senior High School serves students in grades 7-12, and was the first school in the LAUSD to be authorized to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (grades 7-10) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (grades 11-12), a project-based program for concept and content-based learning to promote global mindedness and service to others. The IB Open House is open to all interested students, and will include an introductory presentation in the ERHS library, followed by campus tours, classroom visits, and a short question-and-answer period. To register for the Open Houses, please visit www.erhs.la, and click on the “IB Open House Registration” link. Please email Mylene Keipp mylene.keipp@lausd.net for more information. We look forward to your visit!

APRIL 9

Prisoners of War Day at the Filipino Veterans Education Center All WWII veterans and families, please join us as we commemorate the historic 74thanniversary of Prisoners of War Day and the Fall of Bataan, the Day of Valor, on Saturday, April 9th. In the spirit of reconciliation, friendship and international cooperation, let us leave the past behind us as we move forward with joined hands to attain peace for all mankind. The formal Commemoration and remembrance ceremony will start at 2:00pm in the Filipino Veterans Education Center, at the War Memorial Performing Arts Veterans Building (401 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA 94102). This event is open to the public. Please RSVP RudyAsercion@gmail.com; naffaasf@gmail.com. Tel: 415 564 6262.

A P R I L 23

Chino Hills Multicultural Festival Inspired by last year’s successful celebration of the community’s diversity, the Rotary Club of Greater Chino Hills Foundation will host its second Multicultural Festival on Saturday, April 23, from 3 to 9 pm, at the Chino Hills Community Center (14250 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills, CA 91709). Admission is free. There will be food booths, live entertainment, music, dance and performances by an array of participants. Sponsorship and advertisement packages are available for non-profit organizations to fundraise, and for businesses interested in market their products and services. For more information, contact rotary.chinohills@gmail.com or visit www.chinohillsrotaryclub.org. Contact: Ted Alvarez (909) 456-0359, tedalvarez@verizon.net; Tessie Lightholder (909) 576-4152,tessielightholder@gmail.com, or Ginny Mondonedo (951) 212-4624, vmondonedo55@gmail.com.

APRIL 30

COSC celebrates 27th Anniversary The Candonians of Southern California (COSC), under the leadership of their newly elected president, Mrs. Elizabeth Gacula Singh, will celebrate their 27th Anniversary on April 30 at the Doubletree Hotel-Monrovia (924 W. Huntington Dr., Monrovia). Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For questions and those interested, please email thecandoniansofsocal@gmail.com.

APRIL — SEPTEMBER

Pilgrimages to Eastern Europe, Mexico and India Amazing Pilgrimages for the Jubilee Year of Mercy! All are welcome to join Fr. Joe Joseph of Holy Trinity Church for the spiritual and fun-filled experiences of EASTERN EUROPE (April 17- 30): Poland, Czech., Austria, Hungary, Medjugorje; COLONIAL MEXICO/ OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE (June 20 - 27): Mexico City, Theotihuacan, Puebla, Tlaxcala, Ocotlan, Xochimilco, Guanajuato, San Miguel De Allende, Guadalajara, San Juan De Los Lagos, Cristo Rey, Zapopan, Tonala; and INDIA (September 15 - 29): Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Kolkata, Kerala. For more pilgrimage information and detailed flyers, please contact Bernadette at bcorp1114@hotmail.com OR call 323-344-1548 & 323-547-6618.

M AY 27-29

PUP/PCC to hold 1st Global Reunion Attention all graduates of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and the Philippine College of Commerce: join us in our FIRST GLOBAL REUNION being organized by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Alumni Association, USA Inc. scheduled on May 27-29, 2016 (Memorial Day Weekend) at the New Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. We promise a weekend of fun-filled activities, of friendship and camaraderie as we reminisce our best memories during our high school and college days. There will be lots of entertainment, singing and dancing and photo opportunities with your classmates and friends. For more information, please contact any of the following: Loi Herrera at 562-5448210 orloiherrera@yahoo.com; Monette Santillan-Rivera at 818-970-8317 orMonette_santillan@yahoo.com; Rose Mejia at 323-997-3838 or Rosemariemejia@kw.com; Marissa Sugay-Palanca at 818-281-7460 or marispalanca@yahoo.com; Rose Maghari at661-7948906 or rmaghari@gmail.com; Sally Mendoza at 323-695-0235 or sally.mendoza616@ yahoo.com; Honeylette De Leon at 562-480-5743 orhoney@worldclassfreight.com; Virginia Herbito at virginiaherbito@gmail.com; Connie Acosta at 323-854-5303 or connieacosta1@ att.net; Violeta D. Cristobal at 310-880-5808 orvee@cristobalcpa.com; Jun Mapoy at 323627-5326 or jcmapoy@yahoo.com.

JUNE 4

Missionary Society of St. Columban Dinner-Dance The Missionary Society of St. Columban will hold its annual dinner dance event on June 4th, 6PM, at the Friendship Auditorium (3201 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90941). Organized by the Dancing for the World, an affiliate of the Columbans, will celebrate the “Year of Mercy” to echo and emphatically support the call of Pope Francis’s Jubilee Year. This year is very important to be responsive to the call of the church and be faithful to the mission of God because God is by nature merciful. Thanks to the many dedicated missionaries, priests, sisters and lay missionaries who responded to the call of God and live among the poor to make a difference and allow God’s mercy to flow into the hearts of those they minister. For more information, please visit www.columban.org. The Dancing for the World event on June 4 is also an opportunity to meet supporters, donors and friends to thank them for their valuable contribution to the Columban mission. Event will include delicious food, ballroom dancing, and fabulous raffle prizes. (For this year, the first prize will be a cruise for two to Mexican Riviera. The second prize is a Flat screen TV. The third prize is a Tablet.) There are many amazing prizes available for all lucky winners. The dinner dance ticket is $40.Reserve your tickets now or before May 15. For information and tickets please contact Carmencita Enriquez (213) 880-5075 or Ariel Presbitero (323) 691-5262, or at: 2919 Moss Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90065. Thank you in advance on behalf of the Missionary Society of St. Columban and the Dancing for the World committee members. Please continue praying for all Columban Missionaries all over the world and the success of this event.

JUNE 11

Piyesta Pinoy Bolingbrook

James Reid and Nadine Lustre at the set of their latest film together, ‘This Time,’ in Tarlac.

each other more. The couple could no longer hide their sweetness on and off camera. Asked what he loves most about Nadine, James said, “I always say I like her, no one understands me like she does. hindi s’ya

maarte and she’s hands-on with everything, like until now wala pa s’yang driver. She’s independent; she doesn’t rely on anyone. I find that attractive in women.” Nadine, on the other hand, Continued on Page 6

Please join us on Saturday, June 11 for the 3rd Philippine Fest Celebration (Piyesta Pinoy sa Bolingbrook) at the beautiful Bolingbrook Performing Arts Center (375 W. Briarcliff Rd. Bolingbrook, IL). This year’s event will include a variety of food vendors, business, merchandise, and non-profit organizations, as well as hours of dance, games, and musical entertainment, including special guest performances. The Philippine American Cultural Foundation (PACF) is proud to promote and share our rich Filipino cultural heritage and traditions in America. Your participation and support are always valuable and critical to the survival of PACF and its programs. For more information, or to volunteer, perform, exhibit, or donate, please visit www.piyestapinoy.net.

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

7 HMart stores in CA hold Appreciation Sweepstakes How to pay for long term care Customer Grab a chance to win Brand new Toyota Vehicle at Hmart April 1-7, 2016

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OVER the years, our community has developed a reputation as caregivers in the United States. And to a degree this is very true; in 2008 we made up only 3 percent of the general population but 18 percent of all registered nurses (CA Healthcare Almanac). Some observers might attribute this to the fact that the U.S. and the Philippines have had a close relationship that began over 100 years ago, with the United States using legal frameworks such as the Pensionado Act of 1903 to create an Americanized hospital training system that cultivated skilled and diligent immigrant workforce. While it is probably true to some extent that historical ties between our two countries are responsible for our large presence in the care giving professions, I believe that there is something more. In her article “Trans cultural Care values and Nursing Practices of Philippine American Nurses,” Zenaida Spangler found that Filipino nurses’ dedication to providing care is ingrained within our culture; Filipinos tend to put emphasis on contributing to the greater good through self-giving which is learned through teaching our children the value of respect. I whole heartedly agree with this sentiment as my family has often told me and my cousins of the sacrifices my grandparents made to give their children a better life. I have personally seen the sacrifices my parents made to give me a better life as well. You may be asking yourself,

how does this pertain to MediCal? When a loved one becomes extremely ill, the family members will sacrifice their own health and well-being to care for the sick member. When I visit a nursing home, I often meet other Filipinos: nurses, social workers, administrators, and every other imaginable position. However, you don’t see many Filipino residents in these facilities. Even though many of us have sisters, brothers, or parents that work in the care giving community we keep our aging or ill family members at home as long as possible, making sacrifices financially and health-wise. For those of you not working in the healthcare community, Medi-Cal is a government program that provides low to no cost medical services for those who qualify. Medi-Cal pays for anything “medically necessary,” which includes surgeries, drug prescriptions, doctor visits, tests, dental care, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and long-term care. Longterm care includes care in a nursing home, hospice, adult day care, and can help pay for in-home care. With such an involvement with health care and exposure to those who use Medi-Cal, it is hard for me to believe that our community does not take advantage of the multitude of benefits that Medi-Cal can provide. One issue that I see cropping up time and time again is that many in our community do not believe that they would qualify for the program. Our community has been established in this country for

a long time now; we have a reputation for working hard and saving smart. Exposure to the healthcare field has educated many of us enough to know that someone applying for Medi-Cal can only have a limited amount of assets ($2,000 in non-exempt assets for an individual, $3,000 for a married couple). Even scarier, many caregivers have heard of the Medi-Cal Recovery Program: certain individuals can have their assets taken away after they pass by Medi-Cal, preventing their children or heirs from inheriting. These Medi-Cal limitations are true. However, what the government does not tell you is that through smart planning an applicant can plan ahead for MediCal, qualifying for the program without spending all of the available assets on healthcare. Even though you care for your parents at home you can still get In Home Supportive Services to help pay for care. Through this same smart planning, a person can even have his or her assets protected from any future recovery by the state. I know our community tries to care for our loved ones as long as possible. I’ve also seen the effects caring for a loved one around the clock does to a person’s health and wallet. A family should see Medi-Cal as a tool, one that helps us care for our elders at the toughest moments. It can never replace the care that give to our loved ones, but can be a useful supplement that can be taken advantage of with some smart advance planning. (Advertising Supplement)

THE largest Asian supermarket chain, Hmart is having its Customer Appreciation Sweepstakes in 7 Hmart CA stores, including Diamond Bar, Irvine, Norwalk, Garden Grove, San Diego, Los Angeles and Buena Park locations. This event will begin on Mar 26th, 2016 and end on June 26th, 2016. The Grand prize winner will receive 2016 Toyota RAV4 XLE (1 winner), first prize winner will receive Toyota Corolla L (1 winner), and second prize winner will receive $500 Hmart Gift Certificate (1 winner), third prize winner will receive Coway air purifier & air care unit for car (1 winner), fourth prize winner will receive $100 H Mart Gift Certificate (21 winners – 3 winners from each store), and finally fifth prize winner will receive Haru Haru rice 15lb(350 winners – 50 winners from each store). Total of 381 winners will receive the gifts. The customers who visit in California 7 Hmarts with Smart Cards will have a

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA

I AM doubling down and taking my own piece of advice. Unless absolutely necessary, I intend to be logged off for longer periods of time. How else can I SAVOR THE MOMENT except by living real life in real time with as fewer hours as possible spent on JANELLA Salvador was like a princess on her the internet? 18th birthday celebration. Communication has become Janella, who recently turned eighteen, just efficient, almost done by rote, and came back from Japan and celebrated her debut sometimes borders on the cold in advance. Her champagne-colored gown was and impersonal. I still don’t enjoy designed by Pepsi Herrera, while the red gown being part of a global network to was by Stephanie Tan. be used for someone’s purpose or Some of her showbiz friends present there agenda. are Marlo Morte, Elmo Magalona, her best friend I REFUSE TO BE A PRODUCT Claire Ruiz, Julia Montes, Jane Oineza and Robi TRADED ON WALL STREET. Yes, I Domingo. am kicking and screaming. There’s However, the most touching moment that a stubborn part of me that rebels night was when her mom Janine Desiderio and chafes at becoming part of Janella Salvador imbibed her inner princess as she celebrated her 18th dedicated a song for her. (Philstar.com) birthday. Photo from Facebook/ Nice Print Photography a statistic. I resent being used for the purpose of advancing some corporate agenda. There are companies who mine data from social networking sites and the gigantic hoard of public information mega databases. These are then sold to interested parties as valuable psychographic information. Companies package, repackage and sell personal information with the sole purpose of manipulating the mass behavior of citizens in a free society. It stinks to high heaven when the powers that be use information for social engineering and political purposes such as skewing election results. With blatant, unlawful NSA snooping on anything electronic by any citizen these days, can the Gestapo thought police be far behind? I doubt if my opinions on a twitter account holds any gravitas to twitterverse users. Saying something by tweeting on anything can and will be held against you. A screen grab of your comment makes it permanent. Why give anyone any ammo? The number of users following you is supposed to be an indication of your fan base. Few things on the net, particularly regarding the ego, are real however. I heard some enterprising company lets you claim thousands of fake twitter followers who purportedly follow your tweets. That goes for a fee, of course. The internet has become the de facto hothouse for growing gigantic egos. We’ve all become easy targets for privacy intruders. Nothing seems sacred or private anymore. There’s more than enough out there in the public records to fill a dossier on anyone with an SSN or a pulse. We are living in the throes of the Information Age and the currencies being traded are bits and bytes of information. It’s like living in glass houses these

Janella Salvador celebrates 18th birthday

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Log off and enjoy your hot chocolate “The happiest people don’t have the best of everything… They just make the best of everything that they have.”

—Author Unknown

days. There’s too much naked transparency. As an ordinary, private individual, I am downright resentful. Celebrity is now a curse rather than a blessing. Witness the public meltdown of Hollywood celebrities whose lives more often than not, serve as cautionary tales. Because obscurity is becoming rare these days, it has become all the more precious. No wonder our sense of mystery and awe at anything in this life is fast eroding. I regard social networking with a bit of trepidation and suspicion. And frankly, who’s got the time? I am probably one of a vanishing breed, always itching to get out of the virtual world and into the real world of doing things in private, without fanfare: creating, fixing, cooking, gardening, making memories and connecting personally and laughing until my sides are nearly split. By choice, I am generally offline and often unwired on the weekends these days. My personal motto: LOG OFF AND LIVE. There’s so much living yet to do: so many recipes to try, seeds to plant, topiaries to shape, weeds to pull, walls and blank canvasses to paint, places to see, photos to shoot, plays to watch, games to play, puzzles to solve and mysteries to unravel, books to read, people to meet, goals to achieve, skills to learn and courses to take, stuff to give away, stories to write, naps to take and a thousand and one more things to feel, see, touch, taste, hear and soak in before the end game. With all that’s in the past, life still feels like a tabula rasa —lots of living to do, so little time. Sigh. I am picking and choosing from the constant flow of messages in my inbox, only this one below. Some of these forwarded messages are for laughs, others inform while some can make you think harder or even move you to take action. Pet peeves are those that are pure drivel and chain emails with a punitive clause, like a curse of bad luck, if you fail to forward. For malevolent messages and all the rest of the junk from scammers promising riches, simplify your cyberlife and hit DELETE. DO NOT ENGAGE. Better yet, mark them as SPAM. Sometimes a golden nugget comes through that deserves to be amplified. So simple, it hits

you right between the eyes. I searched for the author’s name but like many other pieces flung by anonymous, creative beings in Cyberville, authorship is largely unknown and unclaimed. To the originator of this metaphor then, whoever you are and wherever you may be, please accept a profound THANK YOU, from the rest of us. Here it is. The hot chocolate story A group of graduates, well established in their careers, were talking at a reunion and decided to go visit their old university professor, now retired. During their visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stress in their work and lives. Offering his guests hot chocolate, the professor went into the kitchen and returned with a large pot of hot chocolate and an assortment of cups-porcelain, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite -- telling them to help themselves to the hot chocolate. When they all had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor said: ‘Notice that all the nice looking; expensive cups were taken, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. The cup that you’re drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hot chocolate. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was hot chocolate, not the cup; but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other’s cups. Now consider this: Life is the hot chocolate; your job, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life. The cup you have does not define, nor change the quality of life you have. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate we have. The happiest people don’t have the best of everything… They just make the best of everything that they have. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. But first, LOG OFF. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

‘This Time’ a summer movie... From Page 5

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said that she did not see the romance coming at all. “Nagaaway pa nga kami sa Wang Fam premiere night, may tampuhan. Pero ngayon iba na, pag-gising ko sa umaga I look forward to working with him, excited, kasi s’yempre makikita mo na ang mahal mo, he makes me smile

and happy. Siguro yun ang pagkakaiba ngayon.” Asked how they feel about being considered as the No. 1 love team in the country, James said, “I can’t say that we’re the No. 1 love team. It’s just that we just have successful projects, we have a lot of noise or hype because of our fans. I don’t think the noise

decides if you’re No. 1 or not. It doesn’t mean that we’re better, it’s just that right now, we have a lot of happening.” As of presstime, James and Nadine are doing the OTWOL world tour. “This Time” is under the direction of Nuel Naval and expected to hit theaters in April.

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April 1-7, 2016 www.asianjournal.com