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

aPril 22-28, 2016 Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEw YORk/NEw JERSEY

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Comelec apologizes as new website leaks Filipino voters’ data by Aries Joseph

Inquirer.net

heginA

the Commission on elections (Comelec) has apologized to the electorate as a new site claiming to contain voters’ data where users can easily search for their biometric information has surfaced online. In a statement, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said that the poll body has already tapped the experts from the National Bureau of Investigation CyberCrimes Division for more information on the website “Philippines, we have your data,” which spread online on thursday, April 21.

DATELINE

According to reports by netizens, the website contains data that include the voter’s first and last name, birthdate, personal address, passport information, precinct and other sensitive information. “I apologize for this continuing attack on your privacy and assure the public that the Comelec is doing everything we can resolve this matter at the soonest possible time,” Jimenez said. Jimenez said that the poll body has yet to verify the information available on the website and cautioned the public against putting their personal information on the website. PAGE A2

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Supreme Court appears divided on arguments over Obama’s immigration orders the nation’s top court on monday, April 18, heard oral arguments for the case United states v. texas, which challenges President Barack obama’s executive actions to grant reprieve to millions of undocumented immigrants in the country. monday’s arguments centered on whether obama overstepped his authority by authorizing programs in November 2014 that would defer deportation for about four million undocumented immigrants, and whether states had the standing to challenge the administration’s policy. the top court appeared divided along partisan lines. Chief Justice John roberts and Justice samuel Alito asked, “how is it possible to lawfully work in the United states without lawfully PAGE A2

US shows power in Asia

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stresses a point as she delivers her speech at the Sheraton New York in Manhattan after defeating Bernie Sanders in the New York primary on Tuesday, April 19, 2016. AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

RCBC treasurer Clinton, Trump post decisive wins in New York primaries quits; Philrem faces tax raps by MoMAr

by LAwrence And

AgcAoiLi prinz MAgtuLis

NeW YorK—hillary Clinton and Donald trump both cruised to victory in New York’s presidential primary beating their rivals Bernie sanders, John Kasich and ted Cruz. Both front-

runners had a double digit lead against their opponents. With the win, Clinton will take 139 of New York’s 247 pledged delegates. her win also ended sanders’ monthlong winning streak. “New Yorkers, you’ve always had

Philstar.com

mANILA—the treasurer of rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (rCBC) has resigned amid investigations into the bank’s possible role in the laundering of $81 million stolen from Bangladesh. the resignation of rCBC treasurer and executive vice president raul Victor tan took effect Wednesday, April 20, said senior vice president and corporate information officer ma. Christina Alvarez in a disclosure to the Philippine stock exchange (Pse). tan headed the bank’s treasury Group and the retail Banking Group. meanwhile, tax charges have been filed against a remittance firm that facilitated the funds’ transfer to the bank. Bureau of Internal revenue commissioner Kim henares said they have filed tax evasion charges against Philrem for PAGE A2

FIL-AMS FOR CLINTON. Filipino Americans for Hillary celebrated Democrat Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s win in the New York Primary Election on Tuesday, April 19 at the Sheraton Hotel along with many Democrats supporting the Secretary of State.

my back and I’ve always tried to have yours. today, we did it again – and I’m deeply, deeply grateful,” Clinton said as she began her victory speech in front of a throng of supporters. “to all the people who supported sen. sanders, I believe that there is much more that unites us than divides us.” her 19-minute speech was disrupted a number of times when the crowd cheered her on and chanted her name. “the race for the Democratic nomination is in the home stretch and victory is in sight,” Clinton added. “It’s becoming clearer that this may be one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime.” filipino-Americans came to support Clinton. Among those who attended the gathering at the campaign headquarters were Jerry sibal, edwin Josue, Dr. Angie Cruz, Kevin Nadal, filipino-American Democratic Club president Aries de la Cruz and Nicole Ponseca. the campaign’s Asian Pacific Islander outreach director Jason tengco was also on hand to make sure that the AAPI contingent was present. PAGE A2

SC issues TRO on overseas campaign ban Duterte under fire by pAtriciA Lourdes

Carter says America’s presence due to China’s behavior in sea row

ABoArD the Uss JohN C. steNNIs — for the second time in five months, Defense secretary Ashton Carter landed aboard a Us aircraft carrier in the bitterly contested south China sea, sending a deliberate message to China on American power in the region. With a key Asia-Pacific ally at his side on the Uss John C. stennis on friday, April 15, Carter said the only reason America’s presence in the region came up as an issue was because of China’s behavior in the south China sea over the past year. “that’s a question of Chinese behavior,” Carter told reporters as he and Philippine Defense secretary Voltaire Gazmin watched Us Navy f/ A 18 “hornet” fighter jets launch into the vivid blue skies, about 126 kilometers west of the main Philippine island of Luzon. “What’s new is not an American carrier in this region. What’s new is the context of tension [that] exists, which we want to reduce,” Carter PAGE A3

g. VisAyA

AJPress

Philstar.com

NO BAN ON OVERSEAS CAMPAIGNING. Fil-Am businesswoman and community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis (center), with Ateneo Human Rights Center’s Executive Director Atty. Ray Paolo Santiago and Atty. Jaymie Ann Reyes, filed the Certoriari and TRO Petition before the Supreme Court, a suit against the unconstitutional prohibition on political campaigning abroad during the election period being enforced by the Comelec under the Overseas Absentee Voting Act. On April 19, 2016, the Supreme Court granted Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the Comelec before recess.

VirAy

mANILA— the supreme Court (sC) on Wednesday, April 20, issued a temporary restraining order (tro) which lifts the Commission on elections’ (Comelec) ban on campaigning overseas. the high court allowed campaigning abroad except in Philippine embassies and consulates where voting takes place. the sC en banc partially granted the application for a tro in the implementation of republic Act 9189 or the overseas Absentee Voting Act which prohibits campaigning abroad during the 30-day overseas voting period. filipino-American businesswoman Loida Nicolas-Lewis filed the petition before the high court to issue the tro, citing that the prohibition on campaigning overseas violates the right to assembly and freedom of expression. “It is also settled in jurisprudence that any prior restriction of protected speech is presumed unconstitutional, and the governing body restraining such speech is burdened with proving that such measure is justifiable PAGE A2

for rape comment by iAn JAMotiLLo AJPress

A reCorDeD video of presidential bet, Davao City mayor rodrigo Duterte, commenting about an Australian woman who was raped and killed during the 1989 Davao hostage crisis, went viral on social media on sunday, April 17—igniting furious remarks from netizens, politicians, celebrities and humanitarian groups. earlier in his message, Duterte said he was mad PAGE A3

Presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte Inquirer.net photo

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APRIL 22-28, 2016 • OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL

From the Front Page

Comelec apologizes as new... PAGE A1 “The National Bureau of Investigation CyberCrimes Division is now looking into the website and investigating the matter,” he said. “In the meantime that they have not furnished us a copy of their findings, we advise the public not to use the hacker

website as it can be used by the hackers to steal your information and thus expose you even further to the dangers of identity theft. We also cannot rule out at this stage that this may be an attempt by the hackers to monetize the data they claim to have,” he said. Jimenez also said that the

Comelec could not verify whether the data came from LulzSec Philippines, the hackers who defaced and hacked the Comelec website last March 27. “The Comelec has not yet verified the accuracy of the data the hackers claim to have copied, and the investigation is ongoing,” he said. The website’s About page said that: “We thought that it would be fun to make a search engine’ of Philippine voter information.” ‘Filipinos can be mapped out’ Sought for comment, Drexx Laggui, Principal Consultant on Digital Forensics, warned of the massive implications of the new website. “So many different organization, good and evil intent, want that database. Worst case scenario, people can be mapped out, bribed or intimidated… Or scared to not vote anymore if a region is not favorable to an org,” Laggui said. Laggui said that the whole electoral process might be at risk if Comelec officials would be prosecuted for violations of the Data Privacy Act. “If Comelec authorities are prosecuted for violations of Data Privacy Act, then they can’t administer their functions, so the electoral process may be at risk,” he said. A suspected hacker—a 23year-old information technology graduate—was nabbed by the NBI on Wednesday, April 20 and is now in its custody.

SC issues TRO on overseas... PAGE A1 and valid,” Lewis said in the petition. Overseas absentee voting started on April 9 despite minor glitches, according to the poll body. It also declared that the start of the overseas absentee voting was “generally good.” Comelec records show that 593,772 overseas Filipino voters are in the Middle East and Africa, 344,848 in Asia-Pacific, 275,729 in North and Latin America, and 161,718 in Europe.

Clinton, Trump post decisive wins in New York...

PAGE A1

“This is an exciting moment for the Asian American community. Her victory here tonight means a lot. This is her home state, she was elected here twice. Our community – the Filipino-American community to be specific - had a concerted effort over the past few weeks. We are grateful to the volunteers and everyone who came out to vote,” Tengco said. “We’re not going to take any state or vote for granted and we will continue to fight through Pennsylvania, Maryland all the way to California. We’re just so happy with tonight’s results and we will continue to engage the Asian American community as we move forward,” he added. Filipino Americans for Hillary Filipino Americans for Hillary celebrated Clinton’s win in the New York Primary Election at the Sheraton Hotel along with many Democrats supporting the former Secretary of State. “Today you proved once again, there’s no place like home,” said Hillary to the cheering crowd. Clinton won 58% of the New York Democrat votes while Senator Bernie Sanders received 42%. Hillary presently has 1428 delegates committed to her to Sanders’ 1151. She will need 2383 delegates to garner the nomination. Filipino Americans for Hillary New York recently re-launched at Maharlika Restaurant in New York City to galvanize support for Clinton. Chaired by Loida Nicolas Lewis, the political group has been reaching out to the Filipino American community getting out the vote for Hillary. “Hillary Clinton has always been attentive to the Fil Am community,” said Ms. Lewis, “In 1999, she was the first and so far the only First Lady of the White House who accepted to be the keynote speaker of NAFFA3rd Empowerment Conference. As Secretary of State, she agreed to our suggestion in 2010 to send US observers to the Philippine elections. She signed the Omnibus Bill in 2009

which gave lump sum payments to Filipino Veterans of WWII. As President of the USA, she will be sympathetic to the Philippines vis a vis China.” Clinton talked about how New York is home to a diverse group of people with diverse beliefs as well. “New Yorkers speak every language, worship every faith, and hail from every continent. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, not a weakness,” she said. Tengco cited that the New York Primary victory was a testament of the outreach of the Campaign, especially to the Asian American, Filipino American community. “I am proud to be a Filipino American and to serve as Outreach Director. I understand the needs of the community – just like Hillary does,” he said. Representatives of the Fil Ams for Hillary NY who attended the Primary Night Celebration were elated with the results. “I was there last night to witness this historical event and was blown away by the high energy. It was so contagious!” said Jerry Sibal. Dr. Angie Cruz reiterated that Hillary is the best qualified candidate to serve as President of the United States. Coupled with her experience, her engagement with Filipinos has generated the admiration and affection of Filipino Americans. “Hillary has a proven track record of working across the aisle, and her experience as junior Senator of NY and Secretary of State has enhanced her understanding of the unique experiences of all Americans- particularly Filipino Americans and other communities of color,” said Kaleo Nadal of the Filipino American National Historical Society. Kaleo also spoke at the Fil Ams for Hillary NY launch along with Nicole Ponseca and Broadway actor Jose Llana. “Last night, Filipino American Democrats stood with Hillary because throughout her decadeslong career in public service, she

Jason Tengco, Director for Outreach, Asian American and Pacific Islanders for Hillary Clinton Campaign

has stood with us. We have chosen as the next President of the United States a woman who shares our values of family, strong communities, and taking care of one another,” said Aries Dela Cruz, President of the Filipino American Democratic Club of NY, “I know that if we continue to stand with her to defeat the anti-immigrant Republican nominee in November, as President she will ensure that our community, the second largest Asian group in the United States will be a visible presence in the White House. Our choice in November is clear: We need Hillary’s leadership for America.” “There’s really no place like home! New York will never abandon her and neither will she!” added realtor Edwin Josue, “We are with her all the way to the White House!” There will be ongoing activities to reach out and support for Hillary throughout the general election, said Marilyn Abalos, New York Lead Organizer. The group plans to hold phone banks and other events to help get out the vote for neighboring states upcoming primaries, including Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island on April 26th.

RCBC treasurer quits; Philrem faces... PAGE A1 the latter’s P35.61-million unpaid taxes from 2005 to 2014. “RCBC’s internal investigation had previously cleared Mr. Raul Tan of any participation in or breach of banking policies with respect to the $81-million money laundering issue,” the bank said in a statement. “The bank thanked him for his valuable services and wished him well in his future endeavors,” Alvarez said. The board appointed Carlos Cesar Mercado as acting treasurer. The bank – owned by taipan Alfonso Yuchengco – fired RCBC Jupiter branch manager Maia Santos-Deguito and senior customer representative officer Angela Torres last March 22 for violating bank policies and procedures and falsification of commercial documents when they facilitated the opening of accounts to accommodate the $81 million. RCBC corporate secretary and board director Macel Fernandez-Estavillo said Deguito’s admission to the Senate Blue Ribbon committee that she lied to the bank’s head office to get the transaction approved clearly shows that RCBC higher-ups had no involvement in the scandal. The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) is also investigating the case. Waiver of secrecy With her former employers in RCBC intent on pinning her down for the laundering scandal, De-

Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile, during the Senate Blue Ribbon hearing on Tuesday, April 19, on the $81 million money laundering scam, questions Philippine Remittance Co. (Philrem) President Salud Bautista on the amount they delivered to Weikang Xu as part of the converted US dollars. Senate photo by Joe Arazas

guito said she is willing to open her bank accounts for scrutiny to prove she earned nothing from handling the $81 million. “I am willing to sign a bank deposit secrecy waiver so that my accounts can be examined. People suspect I earned something from this, pero wala akong kinita (but I earned nothing),” she told the Pandesal forum at the Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City yesterday. She had earlier told senators that the accounts were opened in May 2015 by depositors referred to her by casino junket operator Kim Wong during a meeting at the Midas Hotel and Casino on Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City. On Feb. 5, she said Wong repeatedly inquired about the remittances. Senators have said she is a key player in the $81-million money laundering scandal.

Tax case vs Philrem At the BIR, Henares said they are seeking P35.61 million worth of unpaid taxes, plus surcharge and interest, from Philrem, which they accuse of “willful” non-payment of gross receipts and percentage taxes from 2005 to 2014. Also sued were Philrem president Salud Bautista and treasurer Michael Bautista for violations of Sections 254, 255 and 258 of the National Internal Revenue Code. “The gross failure of Philrem to register, declare and pay the (gross receipt tax) showed a clear intent and purpose on its part to evade the payment of the correct amount of taxes,” the BIR said in a statement. “Further, its failure to update its registration with the BIR made it liable for unlawful pursuit of business,” it added. (With Jess Diaz, Iris Gonzales, Ted Torres)

Supreme Court appears divided on arguments ...

PAGE A1 being in the United States?” Liberal justices expressed sympathy toward the Obama administration, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor noting that there are insufficient resources to deport the millions of undocumented immigrants in the nation. Arguments for the case were heard by eight justices and comes after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in February. Scalia was known for his conservative views. That only eight justices are hearing the arguments could affect the outcome of the case. If the court ends up voting in an evenly split 4-4, the immigration programs would stay blocked and would be sent back to the district court in Texas that first issued the injunction. Asian immigrants eligible In the United States, there are at least 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, twothirds of whom have resided in the country for more than a decade. Of those, about 400,000 undocumented Asian immigrants would be eligible for the programs, called the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent

Residents (DAPA) and expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The latter builds upon a program Obama approved in 2012. For advocacy organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles (Advancing Justice-LA), both programs are seen as standing on the right side of the law. “In the last five decades, [presidents] from both sides of the aisle have taken executive action to shape immigration priorities,” said Stewart Kwoh, president and executive director of Advancing Justice-LA in a statement. Anthony Ng, immigrant rights policy advocate at Advancing Justice-LA, said in a statement that a ruling against DAPA and expanded DACA doesn’t only affect undocumented immigrants, but their families, neighborhoods and communities. “While the legal battle ensues and anti-immigrant campaigns on the state and national level continue, we must remember that these actions have a real human cost,” Ng said. Opposition to executive action Those opposed to Obama’s ex-

ecutive actions say he was trying to go around the Republican Congress. “Basically the president has stepped in and taken over what normally would be associated with Congress,” said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, according to CNN. “Congress makes the laws.” Texas Solicitor General Scott Keller argued that if implemented, Texas could lose money, partly because DAPA would establish a new class of recipients for state subsidized driver’s licenses in the state. Additionally, Keller pointed out that undocumented immigrants, if declared “lawfully present” in the country, would become eligible for work authorization and certain types of Social Security and Medicare benefits. In an article published in The Washington Post, however, it is stated that granting an individual “lawful presence” does not legalize the presence of undocumented migrants and does not prevent them from being deported at any time the president may choose to do so. Stephen Vladeck, law profesPAGE A3

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US shows power in Asia PAGE A1 said. China late on Thursday, April 14, reacted defiantly to Carter’s announcement of joint US-Philippine patrols in the South China Sea and the rotation of more US troops with combat aircraft and equipment to the Philippines under a new security agreement. “US-Philippine joint patrols in the South China Sea promote regional militarization and undermine regional peace and stability,” the Chinese defense ministry said in a statement. “The Chinese military will pay very close attention to related developments, and firmly safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” it said. Sweeping claims China claims nearly the whole of the 3.5-million-square-kilometer South China Sea, even waters close to the shores of its Southeast Asian neighbors, and has over the past year built artificial islands in the Spratly archipelago to assert what it insists is its “undisputed sovereignty” over territory in the sea also claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan. The Chinese defense ministry’s statement also referenced China’s longstanding opposition to US military alliances in the region. It regards those as a form of unwelcome interference that stymies its desired status as the preeminent military power in the Asia-Pacific region. “Strengthening the US-Philippine military alliance … is a sign of a Cold War mentality that is unbeneficial to peace and stability in the South China Sea,” it said. On Friday, April 15, Carter emphasized the United States would back up the Philippines and other allies in the region. “At a time of change in this dynamic region, and democratic transitions in the Philippines and the United States, we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder,” Carter said at the closing ceremony for Balikatan 2016, the annual war games between US and Philippine troops, at Camp Aguinaldo, the Philippine military’s headquarters in Quezon City. “We will continue to stand up for our safety and freedoms, for those of our friends and allies, and for the values, principles and rulesbased order that has benefited so many for so long,” he said. Carter’s visit aboard the Stennis underscores persistent complaints from the United States and its al-

lies in the region about China’s military buildup in the South China Sea. Later in the massive gray ship’s hangar bay, Carter said his message in making the trip was that the United States “intends to continue to play a role in keeping peace and stability in this region.” Rear Adm. Ronald Boxall, the commander of Carrier Strike Group 3, told reporters that the Stennis and the ships in the carrier’s strike group “regularly have a (Chinese) ship or two operating with us or near us.” So far, he said, the Chinese vessels have been operating very professionally. “We’ve been very pleased with the interactions we’ve had,” he said. “They are operating where they think they should, we’re operating where we think we should. They generally have professional discussions over the bridge about where we are.” Flight to the carrier Accompanied by Gazmin, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Hernando Iriberri and Defense Undersecretary Emmanuel Bautista, Carter rode to Villamor Air Base in Pasay City after the Balikatan closing ceremony and took a Boeing C-17 Globemaster aircraft for a flight to Palawan. From Palawan, the closest Philippine landmass to the Spratly archipelago, they took a Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey military helicopter for a short flight to the Stennis, which was in Philippine-claimed waters. Under a blazing sun, as the heat index pushed past 37 degrees Celsius, Carter and the Philippine officials landed on the Stennis. Carter spent about two hours on the ship, watching a number of fighter jets shoot into the sky off the flight deck, do circles around the Stennis and then land again, roaring to a stop as their tailhook caught the arresting wire. He later spoke to several hundred sailors in the hangar bay, including one who asked why the United States allows China to participate in the large annual military exercise in the Asia-Pacific region. Carter said the United States wanted to work together with China, and added that Beijing should not isolate itself. Not aimed at anyone The United States insists that the increasing American presence in the South China Sea and the broader Asia-Pacific region is meant to show support for allies and is not aimed at any one nation. But the US military presence

Dateline USa

also reinforces Carter’s assertion that America will continue to fly and sail throughout the region, despite China’s claims of sovereignty over the vast South China Sea. China’s foreign ministry statement on Thursday said “military exchanges by relevant countries should not target third parties, much less support a few countries in challenging China’s sovereignty and security, inciting regional contradictions and sabotaging regional peace and stability.” And on Friday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said that, “Before the US returned to the Asia-Pacific region, relevant countries had sought to control the disputes and handle the conflicts through friendly negotiations, despite the disputes having existed for over four decades.” He told reporters during a press conference that if the United States wanted a peaceful solution to disputes, “I hope it can practice what it has preached, and that their actions can really help to peacefully solve the disputes.” The Philippines has challenged China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea at the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration. China has refused to take part in the arbitration, and said it would not recognize any ruling by the court. The tribunal has proceeded to hear the case, though, and is expected to hand down a ruling in coming weeks. The United States has said it does not take a position on the territorial disputes, but wants them settled legally. Message of solidarity But Carter’s visit to the Philippines last week, and Gazmin’s presence on the Stennis sent a more pointed message of solidarity. The visit to the Stennis came a day after Carter announced new military aid to the Philippines that spurred protests from China. This was the second time that Carter had flown onto a carrier while it was embarked in the South China Sea. Last November, he was on the USS Theodore Roosevelt as it sailed northwest of Borneo. That visit came just a week after a US Navy destroyer, the USS Lassen, challenged China’s claim to a 21-km territorial limit around Zamora Reef (international name: Subi Reef) in the Philippines’ part of the Spratlys, about 270 to 360 km from where the Theodore Roosevelt was sailing on Thursday. (Reports from AP and AFP/TVJ)

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 22-28, 2016

Duterte under fire for rape comment PAGE A1 about the incident and ordered the criminals to be killed. However, the Davao City mayor was slammed after making a joke about Jacqueline Hamill, a 36-year-old Australian missionary woman who was raped during the prison outbreak incident. “I was angry because she was raped, that’s one thing. But she was so beautiful, the mayor should have been first. What a waste,” Duterte said. The controversial video was not received well by netizens, calling it an “inhumane remark,” stating that the topic of rape is a sensitive and a serious matter that is currently haunting Philippine society. Duterte’s rivals weighed in on the issue and expressed dismay over the candidate’s insensitive remark. Senator Grace Poe who tied with Duterte in the latest SWS survey said that as a woman, she was offended by the latter’s apparent joke. “It is distasteful and unacceptable, and reflects his disrespect for women. Rape is a crime and no laughing matter. We should all be outraged at abuses against women,” she said. United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) bet, Vice President Jejomar Binay, has also spoken strongly against

Duterte’s remark calling him a “crazy maniac,” while urging the people not to vote for him. Former Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas commented that rape is a serious crime and “anyone who laughs at the ultimate assault on the dignity of women should not be allowed to wield power.” Senator Miriam Santiago, who is also a candidate for the presidential race, expressed that Duterte crossed the line and people should express their feelings through the ballot. Women’s group Gabriela quickly made its stand against Duterte’s remark. “Rape, or any form of sexual abuse is not a joke, nor something to be trivialized in a joke, especially by a public official and most especially by those aspiring for the highest post in the land,” Gabriela national vice chairperson Gert Libang stated. In relation to the issue, Duterte’s daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio posted a picture on her Instagram account on Monday, April 18, admitting that she was once raped before. “Not a joke. I am a rape victim. But I will still vote for President Rodrigo Duterte,” she said on her social media account shutting down several rumors surround-

ing her stand against her father’s controversial remark. She, however, did not elaborate on her claim. Rather, she said detailing her experience was embarrassing, and does not affect her livelihood. Duterte swiftly commented on his daughter’s revelation, calling her a “drama queen” and that he had no previous knowledge of what happened to her. “She can’t be raped; she carries a gun,” Duterte during an ambush interview during a forum at the University of the Philippines-Visayas. Amidst the firestorm, Duterte issued an apology stating, “I apologize to the Filipino people for my recent remarks in a rally. There was no intention of disrespecting our women and those who have been victims of this horrible crime. Sometimes my mouth can get the better of me.” Duterte’s apology was accepted by his avid supporters but he said that he is not afraid that the statement would cost him the presidency. He also said he will not apologize for the things he has done “to protect our people, especially the weak and defenseless, from crime,” adding that if he ever gets elected, he will protect women, children and families “from the horrors and disorder of crime.”

Supreme Court appears divided on arguments ...

PAGE A2 sor at American Univeristy and CNN legal analyst, pointed out to CNN that the ultimate fate of the programs rests in the hands of America’s next president. As with any other executive order, Vladeck said Obama’s actions can be modified, expanded or rescinded by the succeeding president m as well as codified or overruled by the next Congress. “But the fact that the Supreme Court expedited its consideration of the Obama administration’s appeal so that it could resolve the dispute by June suggests that, even short-handed, the justices want to have their own say first,” he said, according to CNN. Andrew Pincus, a lawyer who supports the administration’s actions, told CNN that permitting Texas to bring the case would have broad implications. “If a state can sue every time the federal government does something to increase the state’s costs, states could sue to challenge almost anything the federal government does,” he said. What the top court will decide remains to be seen. The Post said

that one possibility – though unlikely – is that the justices could dismiss the case because states do not have the standing needed to

challenge the president’s policy. This issue was heavily discussed in the arguments. (Agnes Constante/AJPress)

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 15-21, 2016

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APRIL 22-28, 2016 • OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL

OpiniOn

Features

Fundamental right

SINCE freeing itself from an authoritarian rule three decades ago, the Philippines has enjoyed the restoration of democracy and freedom. However, human rights issues remain prevalent in the country, challenging the commitment of the government and its people to have a collective resolve to uphold human dignity. On Wednesday, April 13, US Secretary of State John Kerry released the 2015 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, to provide the US Congress with the status of internationally recognized individual, civil, political, and worker rights as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in countries around the world. “The contents of this report renew our commitment to promoting and protecting universal human rights, to supporting and defending civil society in its peaceful efforts to hold governments accountable, and to working with our partners to advance peace, development, human rights, and democracy,” Kerry said in his statement. The report acknowledged the gains made by the Philippine government on important human rights issues and highlighted the challenges that continue to exist. “The most significant human rights problems continued to be extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances undertaken by security forces, insurgents, and suspected vigilante groups; a weak and overburdened criminal justice system notable for poor cooperation between police and investigators, a meager record of prosecutions and lengthy procedural delays; and widespread official corruption and abuse of power,” the report noted. “Other human rights problems included allegations of prisoner/detainee torture and abuse

by security forces; harassment, including allegations of violence against human rights activists by local security forces; warrantless arrests; lengthy pretrial detentions; overcrowding and inadequate prison conditions; killings and harassment of journalists; mistreatment of internally displaced persons (IDPs); violence against women; abuse and sexual exploitation of children; trafficking in persons; limited access to facilities for persons with disabilities; lack of full integration of indigenous people into political and economic structures; absence of law and policy to protect persons from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity; child labor; and ineffective enforcement of worker rights,” it added. While the administration of Pres. Benigno Aquino III has made strides in battling impunity, much more is needed to be done to ensure that the perpetrators of human rights violations do not brazenly roam the streets free, and instead be held accountable for their atrocities. “The government continued to investigate and prosecute only a limited number of reported human rights abuses, including abuses by its own forces, paramilitaries, and insurgent/terrorist groups. Concerns about impunity of national and As the elections draw near, the human rights local government officials, security force mem- report implores the country’s incoming leaders to bers, and powerful business and commercial fig- have the political will to make a comprehensive ures persisted,” the report added. approach in addressing existing human rights vi-

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

olations. They must realize that human rights violations breed through many problems, which are related to the country’s political, economic, social and cultural conditions. (AJPress)

Fil-Am leader sues Comelec for violating overseas Filipino voters’ rights GREAT news: The Supreme Court en banc has declared that Filipinos overseas can resume campaigning abroad for their candidates, except in the vicinity of Philippine Embassies and Consulates where actual voting takes place. Kudos to Fil-Am community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis for calling out the Philippine Commission on Elections (Comelec) over a resolution that she says is a violation of the Fil-Ams and other overseas voters’ right to freedom of speech, expression, and even assembly. Last Monday, April 18, Lewis, together with the Ateneo Human Rights Center, filed a case on before the Philippine Supreme Court to question the constitutionality of Comelec’s resolution prohibiting partisan political activities abroad during the 30-day overseas voting period which started last April 9. Comelec rules prohibit any campaigning and

partisan political activities during election day. In the Philippines, The Fil-Am this will be on May 9. For voters here in the US and other parts of Perspective the world, voting started last April 9 up to May 9. Following the contentious Comelec resolution, Pinoy voters abroad are therefore Gel SantoS-reloS prohibited to campaign, hold information dissemination rallies and activities during this most important month. In a Balitang America report, Lewis said, “So that means habang we’re having our election campaigning period here in the Philippines, Filipinos abroad are prohibited to discuss election issues which are relevant to them. So we are questioning this. We have filed a case against the Commission on Elections.” Lewis likewise suggested that such resolution

discriminates against Filipinos overseas, because it denies them to hold campaign events that will help them discuss and understand issues, get to know the candidates better and make an informed decision in exercising their right of suffrage. “Sa aming mga overseas Filipinos ang daming dapat pagusapan. Etong gag order ng Comelec is totally unfair, arbitrary and unreasonable,” Lewsis contended. Lewis added, “Para bang kayong Filipino overseas, hindi kayo tunay na Pilipino. Kami lang dito ang puwedeng mag-discuss hanggang May 8. Pero kayo diyan—quiet. Mali yon. Unconstitutional.” Upon learning of the TRO, Lewis issued a state-

ment saying, “Thanks be to God and to the Justices of the Supreme Court! Filipinos abroad can now campaign without fear. Bravo to Ateneo Human Rights Center lead by Atty. Ray Paolo Santiago! They burned the midnight oil to finish the legal papers over the weekend. A big win for Filipinos Overseas!” Lewis heads both the US Pinoys for Good Governance (USPGG) and the Global Filipino Diaspora Council (GDDP). Lewis has long been an advocate of good governance and actively campaigns for Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo for President and Vice President respectively. *** 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

Does anybody still believe in the surveys?

Street Talk GreG B. MacaBenta THE way the spate of public opinion polls on the forthcoming elections have been tarred and feathered in mainstream and social media should alarm the research companies that have been conducting them with greater frequency as May 9 approaches. The question now being frequently asked by opinion makers is, “Does anybody still believe in the surveys?” But the unflattering commentaries have, themselves, been dismissed by the polling specialists as sour graping by parties who have been unhappy with the results. That may be true to a large extent. But there are enough verified instances of biased surveys – or those employing questionable methodologies – to damage the credibility of the principal survey companies, specifically SWS and Pulse Asia. Worse yet, the Duterte camp recently released the “results” of a survey that showed him in the lead - a claim promptly denied as fake by Pulse Asia, to which the research had been attributed. Too bad for the Duterte group, because - like the proverbial boy who cried wolf - even possibly genuine survey findings are now being met with raised eyebrows. One series of public opinion readings currently being roundly criticized is the Bilang Pilipino

Mobile Survey being conducted by SWS with the technical and logistical support of TV5 and the PLDT-Smart Communications group. SWS is the same research firm that conducted the muchmaligned survey in late November 2015 which showed Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte leading the field at 38 percent, ahead of Vice-President Jejomar Binay (21 percent), Sen. Grace Poe (21 percent), Sec. Mar Roxas (15 percent) and Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago (4 percent). The survey, which SWS admitted was commissioned by a Duterte supporter, asked a leading question, as follows: “Ibang listahan naman po ang gamitin natin. Kasama dito si RODRIGO DUTERTE bilang isang substitute candidate sa Presidente. Sa mga sumusunod na mga pangalan sa listahang ito, sino po ang malamang ninyong iboto bilang PRESIDENTE NG PILIPINAS, kung ang eleksyon ay gaganapin ngayon (SHOW LIST 2)” (Let us use another list. This one includes Rodrigo Duterte as a substitute candidate for president. From the list of names here, who do you think will be your choice for president of the Philippines if elections were held today?) Any research practitioner worth his coconuts will tell you that the framing of the question created an obvious bias in favor of Duterte that resulted in his high rating. That was not the first time that SWS had used a question-

able methodology in its surveys. In recent presidential preference polls, SWS has used varying lists of purported candidates, including those who had not indicated any interest in running for president. The results have, therefore, not been comparable and have been lacking in reliability and credibility (Pulse Asia has also applied the same methodology). Unfortunately, these “public opinion polls” have been widely publicized in media and have been used by interested parties to influence public attitudes and stir a bandwagon effect among prospective voters. The current Bilang Pilipino Mobile Survey, which SWS characterizes as a “pioneering project to rapidly track the opinions of a statistically representative national panel of voters,” has been subjected to much criticism. According to SWS, a panel of randomly selected respondents, ostensibly representing the Philippine voting population, was constituted and given mobile phones. Starting with the 2nd presidential debate held in Cebu, the panelists have been asked to respond to questions transmitted to them by SWS about current election issues, with a focus on candidate preferences. The Bilang Pilipino Mobile Survey has, in effect, constituted a consumer panel on ongoing election issues. The effective usage of consumer panels is in deriving short and quick insights on the subject of a market test

(such as a product test) from respondents with specialist knowledge, but they are not intended as a representative sample for the general population. In this regard, the Bilang Pilipino Mobile Survey is severely flawed in two aspects. Firstly, the average response rate has been poor, rendering the findings with a high margin of error – up to plus/minus 7 percent in Metro Manila and the Visayas and as high as plus/minus 8 percent in balance Luzon and Mindanao. And, worse yet, the panelists are, in effect, being used as “specialists” on election issues. Anyone who has used research for marketing purposes (as I have for over half a century) will tell you that it is not advisable to derive “expert opinions” from respondents unless they are specialists on the subject being tested. You never ask ordinary consumers whether an ad layout is good or bad – in effect, asking them to render the opinion of graphic experts or ad specialists. You will end up with responses ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous. Spontaneity is key in research and leading questions are an abomination. The Bilang Pilipino Mobile Survey is peppered with holes in this respect. Spontaneity is lost because the mobile phone panelists, knowing that they will be periodically asked to respond to questions, are most likely anticipating and discussing them with others. If

they were members of a jury in the US, they would be dismissed for exposing themselves to extraneous influences. The mobile survey also falls into the category of a “push poll,” an unflattering term in the scientific research community and defined by Wikipedia as follows: “A push poll is an interactive marketing technique, most commonly employed during political campaigning, in which an individual or organization attempts to influence or alter the view of voters under the guise of conducting a poll. “In a push poll, large numbers of voters are contacted briefly (often less than 60 seconds), and little or no effort is made to collect and analyze response data. Instead, the push poll is a form of telemarketing-based propaganda and rumor mongering, masquerading as a poll. Push polls may rely on innuendo or knowledge gleaned from opposition research on an opponent. “Push polls are generally viewed as a form of negative campaigning. Indeed, the term is commonly (and confusingly) used in a broader sense to refer to legitimate polls that aim to test negative political messages. Future usage of the term will determine whether the strict or broad definition becomes the most favored definition. However, in all such polls, the pollster asks leading questions or suggestive questions that ‘push’ the interviewee towards adopting an unfavorable response towards the

political candidate. “Push polling has been condemned by the American Association of Political Consultants and the American Association of Public Opinion Research.” In the first Bilang Pilipino Mobile Survey, which ostensibly tracked public opinion on the results of the 2ndpresidential debate in Cebu, SWS asked a leading negative question: “Whom among the candidates for PRESIDENT of the PHILIPPINES you DO NOT LIKE TO WIN the most? (CHOOSE ONE) [Sino sa mga kandidato sa PRESIDENTE ng PILIPINAS ang PINAKA-AYAW MONG MANALO? (PUMILI NG ISA)].” The way the question was framed falls into the exact pattern defined by Wikipedia as an attempt “to influence or alter the view of voters under the guise of conducting a poll.” Nonetheless, SWS has been unapologetic in using this highly irregular and questionable methodology for whatever reason it may have. And whatever reason that might be, it certainly does not define SWS as a credible and reliable research organization but rather as a political propaganda tool. In sum, if your life depended on the reliability of the Bilang Pilipino SWS Mobile Survey, you really wouldn’t be sure if you will live or die. But at least, you will have an indication of odds. As in gambling, that’s the best use of this push poll masquerading as a scientific research study. (gregmacabenta@ hotmail.com)

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D ateline PhiliPPines Visayas Ombudsman probes Kris Aquino’s Filipinos to ask questions at next presidential debate use of presidential chopper for campaign by ador

Vincent s. MayoL Inquirer.net

CEBU CITY—The Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas is looking into reports that television host Kris Aquino used a presidential helicopter during a campaign sortie of the Liberal Party (LP) in Cebu last Tuesday, April 19. Lawyer Ma. Corazon Naraja, spokesperson of the anti-graft office based in Cebu City, said they were gathering facts about the incident and would determine the legal issues concerning the matter. Naraja refused to elaborate, saying they would have to consider several legal aspects about the issue. According to Naraja, the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines prohibits the use of government-owned vehicles and other government resources in election campaigns . The Office of the Ombudsman learned about the incident involving the presidential sister through media reports. As a policy, the anti-graft office can conduct an investigation on its own, based on reports in the media. Kris Aquino was heavily criti-

One of the photos showing presidential sister and television host Kris Aquino and the presidential chopper released by the Municipality of Dalaguete were critized on social networks for being used at a campaign sortie of the Liberal Party.

cized after photos on social media showed her alighting from a presidential chopper to campaign for LP presidential candidate Mar Roxas and the latter’s running mate Camarines Sur Rep. Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo. Kris, who wore a yellow shirt and black pants, was accompanied by people who appeared to be her aides. The photos, which were uploaded on Facebook, was released by the Municipality of Dalaguete where the presidential chopper reportedly landed. Kris attended a political rally of Roxas and Robredo in Argao town located next to Dalaguete. President Benigno Aquino III also graced the event after inaugurat-

PH: Chinese military plane landing on Spratlys airstrip ‘provocative’ by Frances

Mangosing Inquirer.net

CLARK AIR BASE —The landing of a Chinese military aircraft on an artificial island in the disputed waters of the South China Sea was “a clear act of militarization,” the Department of National Defense said on Thursday, April 21. “It was definitely provocative. We’ve always been saying that we will address the issue through peaceful means—the diplomatic and our approach to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and we will keep holding on to that. Hopefully the decision will come out soon so we can avoid issues like these. They are the ones doing trouble

there,” Defense spokesperson Peter Paul Galvez said. The Philippines is waiting for the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) dispute. Manila had filed a case at the international court, challenging Beijing’s nine-dash claims. The flight at the Fiery Cross Reef (Kagitingan Reef) over the weekend was the first time it was publicly known that a Chinese military plane has landed in the disputed islands. The runway in the Fiery Cross Reef is about 3,000 meters long and is one of the three of China’s man-made airstrips in the Spratlys.

ing a solar power plant in San Carlos City in Negros Occidental. The photos drew flak from netizens who said that what Kris did was contrary to the “Daang Matuwid (Straight Path),” platform of government espoused by the President and LP candidates. They also accused Mr. Aquino and LP of misusing public funds and resources by allowing Kris to ride on a government vehicle and using government resources to campaign for Roxas and Robredo. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. had explained to the media that members of the President’s immediate family were allowed to ride with him in official government vehicles.

by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA—The third and final Commission on Elections-initiated presidential debate, which will have a town hall format, will give opportunities for ordinary Filipino citizens to ask questions to the presidential aspirants. Vice President Jejomar Binay, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Grace Poe have confirmed to attend the debate at the Phinma University of Pangasinan on Sunday, April 24. The town hall format was assigned to ABS-CBN and Manila Bulletin after the drawing of lots facilitated by the poll body for the debate series. “The sectoral representatives were chosen among thousands of Filipinos all over the nation and the world who sent in their queries for the presidential candidates via ABS-CBN’s ‘Halalan Hugot’ campaign,” ABS-CBN said on Thursday, April 21. The questions for the final presidential debate will focus on metro traffic and public transport, job security, health, foreign policy, basic public education, overseas Filipino workers concerns and peace for Mindanao

residents in conflict areas. The final debate will also have a face-off round where one candidate may grill another candidate on his ability to govern and lead, ABS-CBN said. ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs head Ging Reyes said that the final debate will be the last opportunity for

Filipino voters to see the stands of the presidential bets on various issues and how they differ. “Voters still have time to make up their minds about the candidates. Listen to their proposed policies, analyze their plans, look beyond motherhood statements and empty promises,” Reyes said.

APRIL 22-28, 2016 • OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL

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Stella abrera:

Making history in the world of ballet by MoMar

It has been eight months since Stella Abrera broke the proverbial glass ceiling at the American Ballet theatre when she was promoted as one of the elite company’s principal dancers, becoming the first Filipino-American to do so. “So far, so good,” the ballerina told the Asian Journal. “I’m still enjoying sinking my teeth into learning new roles and having a good time.” Abrera was one of three accomplished Filipinas lauded by the Philippine Consulate General on International Women’s Day this year. Along with Care.com founder and CEO Sheila Marcelo-Lirio and New York City chair of Commission on Human Rights, they were honored with the Distinguished Women of 2016 award. “I’m so extremely honored to be included in their company. I find a lot of inspiration from my fellow female colleagues as well as other female artists and leaders in the art world. I get a lot of lessons and motivations from them. tonight is a huge honor for me,” Abrera said. the prima ballerina is currently rehearsing for three different ballets which will be staged at the Metropolitan Opera House beginning this

G. Visaya /AJPress

May: “La Fille mal Gardee,”“Firebird” and the “Golden Cockerel.” “I’ve been working quite hard lately but I’m enjoying myself, that’s for sure,” she remarked. Stella started dancing when she was barely five years old. An older sister – who was 17 years her senior – was in college and had been taking modern dance classes and she suggested that Stella try it out. And she did. “I am so lucky. I had this dream to be a ballerina when I was a little girl and I grew up and became one. Not everyone has that luck, timing wise, but I worked hard and I am grateful,” she shared. At age 11, she tried her first pair pointe shoes. She knew then that this was her dream to pursue. With the full support of her family, Stella enrolled in more dance classes and her parents, Jack and Aurora would sit and wait for her to finish her classes and rehearsals. At this time, she was dancing and rehearsing five hours a day. As the youngest of five children, Stella chose a different career path from her brother and three sisters. Her parents were both immigrants from the Philippines and they constantly moved the family to different cities and countries because of her father’s work as a civil engineer. Stella and her family moved from Pasadena, California to San Diego and Sydney, Australia because of this. She began her studies with Philip and Charles Fuller and Cynthia Young at Le Studio in

Pasadena and continued it at the West Coast Ballet theatre in San Diego when they moved there. She also spent three years studying the Royal Academy of Dancing method with Joan and Monica Halliday at the Halliday Dance Centre in Sydney. When Abrera was 16, Ross Stretton, the assistant artistic director of the American Ballet theatre (ABt) was adjudicating one of her final exams. He facilitated her audition for ABt. “He plucked me out of the garden, Stella Abrera in “The Nutcracker.” Photo by Rosalie O’Connor you might say. Of course, Kevin

Photo by Jade Young Stella Abrera was named one of the Distinguished Filipino Women of 2016 for her success as a Principal Dancer at the American Ballet Theatre last March 8. Also in photo are Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr. and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Irene Susie Natividad. AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

Stella Abrera in “The Bright Stream.”

(McKenzie, artistic director) had to give his OK,” she told NBC News. Stella joined the ABt as a member of the corps de ballet in 1996 at the age of 17 after being an apprentice for a few months. Founded in 1940, American Ballet theatre is recognized as one of the most renowned ballet companies in the world. Few ballet companies equal ABt for its combination of size, scope, and outreach and as such, it is a living national treasure. On April 27, 2006, by an act of Congress, American Ballet theatre became America’s National Ballet Company. Abrera was appointed as a soloist in 2001. Six years ago, she suffered a crippling back injury that threatened to end her blossoming career. She was sidelined for 18 months.

IN HER OWN WORDS

On what a typical day is I get to work around 10:00 a.m. and I take a ballet class to warm myself up and work on my skills for about an hour and a half. On the hardest seasons, I rehearse from 12 noon to 7pm, sometimes straight without a lunch break, which is not ideal but it happens. That’s a typical rehearsal day. But when we’re in season, performing-wise, then we rehearse a few hour during the day and have the performance in the evening. On International Women’s Day It is important for women to believe in themselves and believe in their power and beauty. On her 2014 visit to the Philippines (a year after Super Typhoon Photo by Gene Schiavone Haiyan devastated many parts of the country) “It took a lot of grit and I was a guest of Ballet Philipdetermination and perseverance. pines and I got to perform at the I endured many painful moments Cultural Center of the Philipas well as I enjoyed the many pines, which is such an iconic wonderful moments in my career,” theater. I really enjoyed my sort of she said. homecoming then. I have never Stella made history in August performed there before, in the last year when she was promoted country of my heritage so it was a to Principal Dancer, the first big deal for me. I was so warmly Filipino-American in ABt’s 76-year welcomed and it was a very nice history to reach the elite ballet experience. company’s highest rank. On Filipino Food and eating What made the promotion What’s great about how hard extra special was the fact that she inspire the next generation of had already come to terms with dancers not only Filipinos but all the fact that with the injury that of them. It warms my heart to see happened and her current age, these young Filipina dancers on she accepted the fact that it was social media saying that I inspire not going to happen. But it did. them. that’s very heartwarming, After almost two decades with ABt, Stella reached the pinnacle of and it’s a responsibility that I am happy to take on,” she told the her career. Asian Journal. “to be honest, it’s mostly the Her memorable performances feeling of responsibility, to help

we are required to work is that it affords me the luxury of eating a lot. I can work out all the yummy food, I really enjoy eating. I do ask my mom for her adobo recipe and her nilaga. If I could, I would eat longganisa every day, but I can’t because it’s hard to find. I love cooking, I really enjoy it. This today is a good inspiration for me, actually will light my fire to cook more Filipino food, maybe once a week. On the days she’s off I enjoy sleeping in, having a good breakfast, getting a massage and just not doing anything and just being a couch potato, while eating potato chips. On being inspiration to young boys and girls of color who want to dance It’s complex especially in our times now. It’s wonderful, the striving to have diversity in all fields. I personally would say that my own story - I was very lucky and I never felt singled out or different or that my ethnicity or ethnic background was a negative thing. I hope that we can all move forward together with all the different cultures and racial backgrounds. Let’s celebrate our heritage. at the ABt include the girl in “Afternoon of a Faun,” Calliope in “Apollo,” Gamzatti in “La Bayadere,” the ballerina in “the Bright Stream,” Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother in Frederick Ashton’s “Cinderella,” Myrtha in “Giselle,” and Aurora in “Coppelia,” among many others. Continued on Page 3

Miss USA visits the beautiful taal Lake DID you know that Miss USA Olivia Jordan had a side trip to Batangas during her visit here in the Philippines? Olivia arrived in the Philippines on April 17 to sit as one of the judges at the Binibining Pilipinas 2016 coronation night at the SmartAraneta Coliseum. Upon reaching her hotel, Olivia took to Instagram to inform her fans about her arrival and asked them if they could help her decide on what food to eat and which place should she come see. This photo taken on April 17, 2016 shows Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach giving the Miss Philippines crown to her successor, Maxine Medina “Hiiii Philippines!! can’t believe during the coronation night of the 2016 Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant in Manila. I’m actually here! Let me know what I should do, eat and see during my visit!” the caption read.

Maxine Medina is new Miss Universe Philippines by arVin

Mendoza Inquirer.net

AN interior designer from Quezon City is the new Miss Universe Philippines. twenty-five year old Maria Mika Maxine Medina won the title at the 2016 Binibining Pilipinas coronation night on Sunday, April 17 held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. No less than Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach crowned Medina, who will compete in this year’s Miss Universe pageant. Wurtzbach, who is currently based in New York as the reigning Miss Universe, flew to the country on Wednesday morning to crown her successor. Medina defeated 39 other candidates from across the

country in a bid to cop a back-toback victory for the Philippines in the world’s most prestigious pageant. She was also hailed the Bb. Philippine Airlines. Kylie Verzosa, a pageant favorite, was named Bb. Pilipinas International. She also took home the Ms. Photogenic, Manila Bulletin Readers’ Choice and JAG She’s Got the Look awards. Securing the Bb. Pilipinas Grand International title was Nicole Cordovez, who works at the Department of Finance. Laguna’s bet Jennifer Hammond was declared Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental. She also won Best in Long Gown. the Bb. Pilipinas Supranational title went to 19-year-old Joanna Deapera Eden, who also bagged

the Best in Swimsuit award. Nichole Marie Manalo from Quezon City was Bb. Pilipinas Globe. She also won Bb. Creamsilk. Other winners include Vina Prulla Openiano (Ms. Friendship and Best in talent) and Angela Lauren Fernando (Best in National Costume). Among those who made the top 15 were Vina Prylla Openiano, Riana Agatha Pangindian, Apriel Smith, Roshiela Navarro tobias, Kimberle Nae Licao, Dindi Joy Pajares and Edlyn Joy Cay Gamboa. Binibining Pilipinas, now in its 53rd edition, is the longestrunning and most prestigious beauty pageant in the country. It chooses and sends the country’s representatives to major international beauty contests.

Just before going back to New York, the beauty queen once again shared a post on Instagram. this time, the photo was taken in what seemed to be the taal Lake. “Be filled with wonder. Be touched by peace. Loved exploring this beautiful country today. I’m so grateful for this unbelievable opportunity. Sending (peace) and (love) to all the incredible fans that have welcomed me this week!” the caption read. Fans quickly reacted, with Batangueños thanking her for choosing to visit the place. Miss USA left the country with Pia Wurtzbach on tuesday, April 19. (Philstar.com)

Miss USA Olivia Jordan in Taal Lake. Photo from Olivia Jordan’s Instagram account

Back to Miss U duties: Pia hopes to fly to quake-stricken Ecuador AFtER spending a few days in the Philippines, reigning Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach is back on track to fulfill her duties as international beauty titleholder. Wurtzbach took to Instagram to share her itinerary, saying that she was hoping to go to the quake-stricken Ecuador. “Wasn’t quite ready to leave yet and I really do hate saying goodbyes but duty calls! Next stop…Peru! And a possible Ecuador trip in the works (fingers crossed it pushes thru) I have you Photo from Miss Universe Facebook page all in my thoughts and prayers!”

Wurtzbach said. the death toll from the powerful quake that rattled Ecuador had climbed to more than 500. “thank you to my amazing team for helping me prepare for my final walk as Binibini. Back to Miss Universe duties now!” she added. Wurtzbach turned over her crown as Miss UniversePhilippines during the Binibining Pilipinas 2016 coronation night last Sunday, which saw Maxine Medina as winner. (Inquirer.net)

Carla Abellana against divorce despite family breakup Alden Richards to topbill Filipino

April 22-28, 2016

www.asianjournal.com

adaptation of ‘My Love from the Star’

by AllAn

PolicArPio Inquirer.net

THOUGH she is personally not in favor of divorce because she believes in the “sanctity of marriage,” Carla Abellana acknowledges the fact that each relationship is different, and that she understands why some couples end up parting ways. “We cannot judge those who choose to separate; the reason behind their decision is complex. It depends on the situation. At times, staying together could actually be more destructive to the people in the relationship,” she said. The Kapuso actress’ stand on divorce, she related, is shaped largely by her experience growing up in a broken family. Carla, 29, said she was “barely 5 years old” when the marriage of her parents, Rey “PJ” Abellana and Rea Reyes, was annulled. “I know what it was like to be a child and not have both parents at home… And when you are young, at times you find yourself comparing your family to others.” she said. “But, as I matured and heard both sides, I developed a better understanding of why things are the way they are.” Hosting “Karelasyon,” Carla said, has exposed her to myriad stories about different kinds of relationships—and the conflicts that

Carla Abellana

beset them—and helped her be more open to such. “At first, I was a little shocked by some of the stories we were featuring, but they were real… they are happening,” she said. “These days, a relationship is not necessarily just between a man and a woman or people of the same race, age or social class. In the program, we get to see how they handle their issues,” Carla added. “We just have to be more perceptive, empathetic.” According to Carla, no matter what kind of relationship the show is tackling, there are usually two

things that bind all the stories. “As cliché as it sounds, love conquers all—and that family remains an important part of our lives,” said Carla, who is also part of the GMA 7 soap, “Because of You,” and the sitcom, “Ismol Family.” Does she believe in living together for a certain period before tying the knot? “I do not think it is a requirement, just so you could learn from each other, or experience what your partner is like in a household,” she said. “You can see it in the way your partner takes control of his life.”

Nadine Lustre: James Reid is not a playboy NADINE Lustre defended boyfriend and onscreen partner James Reid from those who label him as a “playboy.” Recently, a video clip of James with two ladies circulated online a few weeks after they have admitted their relationship. “Well ‘yong doon naman po sa video, ‘yong nasa video kilala ko naman po ‘yon. So hindi naman po ako [affected],” she said in an interview aired in “Tonight with Boy Abunda” on Tuesday, April 19. “[He’s] not naman playboy,” she added. Although Nadine and her “love” James were very open about their relationship, some are still skeptical about it, thinking that it’s all for show. “If ayaw naman po nila maniwala,

Nadine Lustre clarified her boyfriend and onscreen love team James Reid is not a playboy.

it’s up to them. Basta ang importante po me and James, we know what’s real and we know the truth,” Nadine said.

The couple has an upcoming movie, “This Time” which will be in cinemas on May 4. (Joyce Jimenez/ Philstar.com)

ACTOR Alden Richards will play the lead male role in the Filipino adaptation of the hit Korean drama series “My Love from the Star,” director Joyce Bernal confirmed to the Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP). In a report by PEP, Bernal said Richards will portray the character of Matteo Do, originally played by Korean superstar Kim Soo Hyun. “Excited akong simulan itong My Love from The Star… Napanood ko yun, e, maganda ang story at bagay kay Alden yung lead character,. (I’m excited to start [this project] “My Love from The Star”… I’ve seen it, the story is nice and the [lead character’s role] really suits Alden),” Bernal was quoted as saying. “Akala ko makakapagbakasyon ako after That’s My Amboy. Pero ibinigay nila sa akin agad itong project for Alden. Okey lang, kasi I always look forward na makatrabaho ulit si Alden. (I thought I can already go on vacation after “That’s My Amboy.”

But they gave this project to Alden right away. It’s okay because I always look forward to working with Alden),” she added. But Bernal said she does not know yet when the taping of the adaptation will start as Richards is still busy with an upcoming movie with Maine Mendoza, half of the popular “AlDub” tandem of “Eat Bulaga.” The director said she has no idea who Richards’ leading lady will be, but added that Mendoza will be a good choice because of their chemistry. “Okey sana kung si Maine, di ba? Tried and tested na kasi ang tambalan nila…Pero may movie na kasi silang gagawin, ‘di ba? Sila naman ang magde-decide, e…Hintayin na lang natin kung sino ang magiging leading lady. (It would be great if it’s Maine, right? Their tandem is already tried and tested…But they are already working on a movie, right? The decision is up to them, anyway… Let’s just wait and see who the

Alden Richards

leading lady will be),” she said. “My Love from the Star,” which aired on GMA-7, is a Korean drama about a good-looking alien who landed on earth and fell in love with an actress. (Inquirer.net)

Stella Abrera: Making history in the... From Page 2

She created the roles of His Memory and His Experiences in “HereAfter,” the Spanish Dance in Ratmansky’s “The Nutcracker,” the Fairy Violente (Temperament) in Ratmansky’s “The Sleeping Beauty,” His Mistress in “Weren’t We Fools?,” leading roles in “Piece d’Occasion” with Herbie Hancock and S”even Sonatas,” and roles in “After You” and “Pretty Good Year.” As she celebrates her 20th anniversary this year, Stella is thankful for what those two decades have given her – a hearty combination of successes and failures, heartbreaks and triumphs. “It has been my life my entire adult life. It’s what I know, I am so grateful to be living my dream. It hasn’t always felt wonderful like I’ve said – I had hard times just like everyone else but those hard times make the great times much more wonderful,” she said.

Stella Abrera in “Leaves are Fading.”

Photo by Rosalie O’Connor

April 22-28, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

Piolo Pascual confirms ‘Written in Our Stars’ on hold Tomorrow,” with Dawn Zulueta and Coleen Garcia. “For now, yes,” he replied when asked if the show is on hold due to co-star Toni Gonzaga’s pregnancy. “We’re not sure what’s gonna happen” he added. “We have to respect Tin (short for Toni’s real name, Celestine) kasi hindi naman

natin puwede pigilan ‘yon. But we’re just here, hintay lang tayo.” It was in Sunday when Toni The ABS-CBN TV series “Written Gonzaga confirmed her pregnancy in Our Stars” is now on hold. in the noontime variety show This was confirmed by “ASAP.” Piolo Pascual in an interview on The Kapamilya actor said he Tuesday, April 21 at the pictorial was not able to talk to Toni about for his upcoming film “Love Me her pregnancy, but assured her that “I’ll always support Tin, she’s a good friend. We have to give her time kasi first baby din naman.” “The work can wait, pero ang life ng pamilya [is a] priority,” he added. For now, Piolo is focused on his upcoming film “Love Me Tomorrow” where he portrayed the character of a club DJ. Since the film’s stars came from different generations, Piolo said the viewers could see “different point of views, different perspectives, kaya isa-isa do’n sigurado ko makikita mo ang pinagdadanan mo.” The film, directed by Gino Piolo Pascual confirmed that his upcoming TV show “Written in Our Stars” is on hold due to Santos, is slated to be released in co-star Toni Gonzaga’s pregnancy. Philstar.com photo by Joyce Jimenez cinemas this May. by Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com

Anne Curtis rides MRT again ACTreSS Anne Curtis joined thousands of Filipinos on Wednesday in riding the Metro rail Transit (MrT) amid traffic along edsa. Curtis posted on her Facebook page a photo of her inside an MrT coach, holding a handrail and posing for the camera with her fellow passengers. Two other people are shown raising their phones to take a selfie with the actress. “Beating the traffic. Sabi nila swerte daw ako kasi hindi pa daw masyado siksikan. Ang bilis! Lapit na ako sa bahay (They said I’m lucky that the MrT coach is not jam-packed. It is so fast. I’m near our house)!” Curtis said in the caption. In less than 30 minutes, her post has received 57,000 likes and more than 350 shares. Many of her followers commented and expressed their admiration for the television host, which they described as beautiful

EMPLOYMENT

FOR SALE

Photo from Anne Curtis’s Instagram account

and down-to-earth. The last time Curtis rode the MrT was to promote her show on the cable channel LifeTime Asia. Despite constantly suffering

SERVICES

technical glitches and other problems, the MrT is still the preferred mode of transportation by Filipinos who want to escape Metro Manila traffic. (Inquirer.net)

Arjo Atayde: No rivalry with Coco Martin by Marinel

r. Cruz

Inquirer.net

“I CONSIDER him one of my mentors,” said actor Arjo Atayde of his “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” costar Coco Martin, dispelling rumors of a rivalry between them. The two actors have been working on the show for almost a year now. “I learn so much from him. This rivalry is just the perception of other people. I look up to him. He has been in the business longer than me, and he is way more popular,” said the actor who plays Joaquin Tuazon in the series. “Before each take, we discuss the dynamics of the scene. He would give me suggestions, which I take note of,” said Arjo, adding that playing a villain wasn’t easy, “especially because I am working opposite a fine actor. I’m a newbie in this business. I realized that if you have excellent people working with you, you absorb the emotion they give you.” Joaquin will be badder than ever, Arjo revealed. “After what happened to Carmen (Bela Padilla), there’s no more love in him,” he added, referring to the death of Joaquin’s wife in the hands of his own father, Tomas (Albert Martinez). “I actually like Joaquin. Everything about him is on point. He doesn’t think he’s bad. He just believes that he has

Arjo Atayde

to do what is expected of him [as a son].” Arjo said he was grateful to the show’s loyal supporters who took to the Internet to express how much they appreciated his performance. “I received a lot of help from my directors. They explained Joaquin’s emotional journey to me. Yes, I am brave. I’m a policeman. I stand my ground no matter what other people tell me, but at the same time, I knew that my father is powerful and that nothing will change his mind. I cried when I finally accepted what will happen to Carmen.” Over the weekend, Arjo was formally launched as one of three ambassadors of the scent, Axe Black. He will compete against

them to become the brand’s official endorser for 2017. At the same event, Arjo also clarified several issues, including the rumor that Bela was removed from “Ang Probinsyano” because of costar Maja Salvador. “They have no quarrel, so why would Maja do such a thing? She isn’t like that at all. I also heard that Bela has an eye problem that she needed to attend to.” He added: “It’s just that her character was really supposed to die in the middle of the program.” Arjo also denied courting fellow Kapamilya talent Jane Oineza. While he admitted to sending her text messages at least three times a week, Arjo insisted they were nothing but “really good friends.”

Diego Loyzaga on Sofia Andres: We’re just close friends DIEGO Loyzaga explained the real score between him and Sofia Andres. The onscreen partners

were linked with each other, especially after they posted photos of their recent trip to Bagac, Bataan, together with

Diego Loyzaga clarified that he’s just “close friends” with Sofia Andres.

friends. “We’re really close friends lang talaga,” said Diego on his relationship with Sofia, in an interview aired in “Magandang Buhay” on Wednesday, April 20. “Magka-love team po kami ni Sofia, pero hindi lang talaga namin maiwasan na...we got along with each other,” he added. Diego’s mom Teresa Loyzaga already met Sofia whom she finds to be “very nice.” Asked what’s her love advice to her two sons, Teresa said she reminded both not to “ever hurt any woman intentionally.” “Look at your mom. Look at what I went through,” she added. (Joyce Jimenez/Philstar. com)

April 22-28, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

Arbor Day Foundation offers tree-care booklet with $3 donation

THE Arbor Day Foundation is offering a handy tree-care booklet designed to help people plant and care for trees. Anyone can receive Conservation Trees, a userfriendly booklet featuring illustrations, colorful photos, and easily understood descriptions, by making a $3 donation to the Foundation this month. “Conservation Trees is an ideal resource for tree planters,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Taking care of existing trees is just as critical as planting new ones, and proper care ensures communities are able to fully enjoy the diverse benefits of urban forestry.” The booklet provides details about the right way to plant and prune trees. It also includes tips on using shade trees and windbreaks to save on energy

costs, attract songbirds, and create a living snow fence. To receive the Conservation Trees booklet, send a $3 check along with your name and address to Conservation Trees, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410, or order online at arborday.org/ conservationtrees. Arbor Day Foundation Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than 1 million members, supporters, and valued partners. During the past 44 years, more than 250 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities, and forests throughout the world. Our goal is to help others understand that trees are a solution to

many of the global issues we face today, including air quality, water quality, climate change, deforestation, poverty, and hunger. As one of the world’s largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation, through its members, partners, and programs, educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing, and celebrating trees. As the Foundation embarks on the next decade, its vision remains the same — to continue to share, advance, and educate the world on emerging solutions to environmental, health, and human services concerns through its networks and programs. More information is available at arborday.org.

Attention Spring 2016 10th graders: Applications available for ADL National Youth Leadership Mission to Washington, DC CuRRENT 10th graders (who will be in 11th grade for the 2016-2017 academic year) who are interested in fostering understanding among diverse groups of people and positively changing their communities are invited to apply to participate in the Anti-Defamation League’s Grosfeld Family National Youth Leadership Mission to the u.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. from Sunday, November 13 through Wednesday, November 16, 2016. Students must reside or attend school in Los Angeles County. The mission is offered at no cost to participants and includes airfare, hotel, all meals, all tours and programs in Washington, DC. This innovative program brings a diverse group of high school students to the

nation’s capital to learn about the Holocaust and ways to fight prejudice in schools and communities today. This year’s conference will consist of over 130 student delegates from ADL offices across the country. The centerpiece of the National Youth Leadership Mission is a guided tour of the uS Holocaust Memorial Museum. The Mission culminates with a ceremony underscoring the important role youth play to break the cycle of hate. upon returning from Washington DC, delegates will then create a service project to share lessons from the Mission with our local communities in and around Los Angeles. ADL’s National Youth Leadership Mission is recruiting Delegates from the Los Angeles area who are: - Self-starters who take

initiative - Dedicated to issues of social justice and fighting bias, bigotry and hate - Effective agents of change to create a world without hate - Comfortable sharing and speaking about what they learn during the Mission with their schools and networks upon return as part of the required service project - Committed to working in a group before, during and after the Mission as an ambassador for ADL. To complete an application, please visit: http://la.adl.org/ programs/a-world-of-differenceinstitute/2016-applicationsavailable-for-adl-national-youthleadership-mission-to-washington-d-c/ or email LA@adl.org. For further information call (310) 446-4243, or Continued on Page 6

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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.

Free Elder Law Living Trust Seminar Please join our FREE annual Elder Law seminar presented by the attorneys at Elder Law Services of California, a professional law corporation, and take advantage of our $1,000 off trust or trust update package seminar discount. This event will provide a wealth of information to both individuals and families who are planning to start their estate planning, have no clue whether they need an estate plan, or already have an estate plan in place. We will be going over topics such as how to save thousands in probate fees, whether your existing trust needs updating, how to avoid conservatorship, how to pay for long-term care, Medi-Cal House Protection Trusts, and most importantly, how to preserve your assets. We have two seminars on Saturday April 23: one at 10am to 11:30 am and one from 1 pm to 2:30 pm. They will be held at 110 Jackson Street San Jose, CA 95112. Call 1-800-411-0546 for reservations.

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.

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

April 22-28, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA HERE’S a simple story that packs a punch about how we should regard the words that come out of our mouths and in our writings. A story is told of a man who spread malicious and false rumors about the rabbi of his small community. Overcome by remorse one day, he asked the rabbi to forgive him asking him how he can make amends. The rabbi asked him to take a pillow made of feathers and scatter the feathers to the wind. He did as he was instructed. The man then asks the rabbi, “Am I forgiven?” “Not yet. There’s just one more thing you have to do – gather up each and every feather and place them all back in the pillow.” Stunned, he whined, “ But that’s impossible.” “Of course,” the wise old rabbi said. “And though you honestly mean to correct the wrong you have done, it is as impossible to repair the damage you have done by your words as it is to gather up those feathers.” Words are powerful. Unleashed in the heat of an argument, they are flaming laser swords that can cut, wound, even decimate someone. If addressed to a loved one, such wounds can take a long time to heal, if at all. If these words are allowed to take root in the soil of memory and of the heart of the wounded, the wounds may never heal. So next time circumstances like stress, frustration or fatigue push you to lash out over anything and you value the relationship as much as you value your life, learn to bite your tongue instead. Take evasive action. DO NOT ENGAGE. You are entering “scorched earth” territory. Be your own drill sergeant and drop

The power of words “ … for from the fullness of the heart, he mouth speaks.”

— Luke 6:45

down to do 20 push-ups or take a brisk walk around the block for 30 minutes, to clear your head and let the moment pass. As we age, we learn to become patient and wise and learn to size down our treacherous outsized ego that eggs us on to think we are better than everyone else or that we are the center of the universe. With time and humility to guide us, we learn to overlook the trivial and unimportant and focus only on the good. We become THE editor of our own life story. Life is good and beautiful. We just have to open our eyes, oftentimes think with a kind heart and take absolutely nothing for granted. Or if you have the facility to write, go ahead and express yourself on paper or the computer screen and then HIT DELETE OR TRASH IT COMPLETELY after you have unloaded and vented. Take this written approach of venting your spleen on what vexes you with EXTREME CAUTION. The written word has ten thousand times the punch of the spoken word. The exercise is simply therapy, NOT MEANT to document and justify one’s self. The heart and the mind are the soil of our soul. Choose only good seeds to plant in the furrows of that soil. Water these seeds and nurture them with heartfelt, unceasing prayers, 24/7, if you can. Especially during this Age of (Too Much) Information when we have access to all kinds of stories and images through the internet, we have to be particularly vigilant about the seeds that take root in the soil of our souls. Over the years, I have learned to decipher what a person really

thinks or feels about anything on two occasions: first, when he is angry — when the mask of civility is off and the other time, when something is said purportedly as a harmless joke, when the punch is there but cloaked in a sheathed fist of humor. If we guard and filter the thoughts that take shape in our minds and hearts, in time, we can achieve that state of grace and peace that surpasses all understanding. It’s tough but with prayer, it can be done. Never underestimate the influence of the people in your daily orbit and censor the increasingly depraved and amoral stories and images that the media and the internet have been spewing unrelentingly with such viciousness. Pray God gives us the industrial strength moral filters to choose wisely. These are seeds that can take root in our hearts and minds and as human beings created in God’s image, we have every right to reject them. Somehow we are subject to the computer world’s GIGO LAW, which stands for Garbage in, Garbage Out. If we have garbage in our hearts, we are highly unlikely to cause good stuff to happen. Good thoughts eventually take the shape of good words and deeds. The same is true of the origins of evil. It’s as simple as that. Take heed. Then as now, the mouth always speaks what the heart is full of. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Attention Spring 2016 10th graders: Applications... From Page 5

email LA@adl.org. All applications must be received no later than 12pm on Friday, May 20, 2016.

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7 Fil-Am parishioners honor Fr. Jude Serfinowith a birthday celebration AAPCHO joins more than two thousand to rally in support of immigrant rights at Supreme Court April 22-28, 2016

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assigned as the parish priest of St. Pius V Church. His assumption FULLERTON – Filipinoto the parish office was greatly American parishioners at St. Pius V welcomed by the FilipinoChurch in Buena Park on Saturday, American members of the parish. April 16, 2016 honored their new A native of Bacolod City, Father parish priest Fr. Jude Serfino with a Jude brings to his flock a varied party celebrating his 48th birthday. background of life experiences. The celebration featured the He was schooled at Centros of St. Pius V Church Fil-Am Choir, who, Lima, which was run by Dominican under the directorship of Musical sisters, St. Joseph High School and and Choir Director Zenaida de La Salle College, where he earned Ocampo, performed melodic and a Bachelor of Science degree major romantic Kundiman songs. The All- in Accounting. After graduation, Male Group, meanwhile, serenaded he was employed at PCI Bank everyone with their rendition of where he worked diligently for six a medley of classic songs by The years. Cascades. It was during his tenure at Father Jude, who himself the PCI Bank when the major loves to sing, gave his impressive turning point in his life happened: rendition of “Climb Every God called him into the ministry. Mountain”, from the classic movie Thereafter he attended the Sacred “The Sound of Music”. Heart Seminary for 3 years and Entertainment was also finished his Theological studies provided by a group of dancers at the University of Santo Tomas, who took to the dance floor to do Manila. Fr. Jude was ordained on a Zumba number with Father Jude May 19, 2003. He credits St. John who gamely joined them. Paul II as the one who inspired him Food, music, dancing and into entering the priesthood. camaraderie characterized the Father Jude is one of the party attended by at least 300 the founders of a charity named parishioners, their families and “St. John Paul II Haven for Street friends. Also present were Father Children” or “Deus Children” in Paul Win, Father Mario Juarez, and their diocese in the Philippines. Father Maximo Rosario. Beyond his duties as a priest, Father Jude is the first Filipino Father Jude also loves to write by MAnny

V. IlAgAn

Father Jude Serfino, the first Filipino priest assigned to the St. Pius V Parish Churh in Buena Park is joined by some Filipino-American parishioners.

The St. Pius V Church Filipino-American Choir, with Zenaida de Ocampo as Musical and Choir Director, performs a romantic rendition of beloved Kundiman songs.

Protecting Your Home by Andrew

IN my last article, I explained why it is absolute necessary to qualify for Medi-Cal and get the government to pay for nursing home care for an ailing parent or loved one. After all, how many families do you know who can afford paying $8,000-$15,000 a month for Long Term Care. However, using Medi-Cal for Long Term Care has one major drawback: the Medi-Cal Estate Recovery Program. In this article, we will discuss how to legally avoid future estate recovery claims. Basically, the estate of any person over 65 who receives Medi-Cal benefits is subject to the recovery process. When the beneficiary passes away (and his or her spouse), Medi-Cal has the right to recover benefits paid from the estate. What can Medi-Cal come after? Pretty much anything left in the deceased person’s estate. This includes liquid assets such as investment accounts and bank accounts. It also includes real property, including the family home! How much can they come after? Medi-Cal is entitled to recover the lesser of the amount of benefits paid or the deceased’s entire estate. If a Medi-Cal beneficiary was in a nursing home for an extended period of time, the Recovery claim could easily exceed everything the person owned, including the entire home. So what can you do? The easiest and most cost effective measure to protect against recovery is to make sure there is nothing left in the Medi-Cal beneficiary’s estate. In future articles we will discuss protecting other assets, but here we will go over what can be done to protect the home, specifically the outright gift and the Medi-Cal House Protection Trust. An outright give is the simplest way to get the home out of the Medi-Cal beneficiary’s estate. Because it is a gift, the transfer of the home is not considered income to the recipient and therefore no income tax is paid by the child(ren). Additionally, the Lifetime Gift Tax exemption is currently $5.43 million. There are no gift taxes due by the parent

PArAnAl, esq. as long as the gifts are under this amount. The parent should file a gift tax return for the year the gift was made that signal to the IRS that some of the lifetime tax credit has been used up. Additionally, this transfer does not result in an increase in property taxes if the transfer was made to the children or grandchildren. Proposition 58 and 193 are California constitutional initiatives that make it easier to keep property “in the family” by providing tax relief for real property transfers between parents and children and from grandparents to grandchildren, respectively. Proposition 58 states that real property transfers from parent to child or child to parent may be excluded from reassessment while Proposition 193 extends the relief to grandparent(s) and grandchild(ren). An outright gift of the principal residence to the children while the parents are still alive causes a loss of a step-up in basis under IRC Section 1014, which could result in substantial capital gains taxes upon sale. One solution is to execute a grant deed combined with a Lifetime Right to Occupy Agreement between the parent(s) and the child(ren). An occupancy agreement is an agreement where the parent(s) retain the right to occupy the residence until death. As a result, the value of the residence would be includable in the parent’s estate under IRC Section 2036 and the child(ren) would receive a step- up in basis. Medi-Cal Estate Recovery is a significant drawback that can be easily avoided with some simple thought and planning. Unfortunately, the implementation of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 may get rid of some of our Medi-Cal planning strategies in the new future, so if you are on MediCal or a family member may need Long Term Care in the future it would be wise to implement these techniques right away. Next time we’ll discuss the benefits of the Medi-Cal House Protection Trust and the ways this irrevocable trust can benefit you and your family.

Father Jude, the “Dancing Priest”, shows off his dancing skills to the delight of his FilipinoAmerican parishioners.

reflections based on his personal experiences, the Bible, and his travels. As a nature lover, he also enjoys visiting churches and places of interests such as museums, zoos, national landmarks and parks. He is passionate about religious arts and also does crafts. In addition to his love for music, Father Jude is a fine dancer, a quality that endears him even more to his Filipino parishioners who were delighted to share the dance floor with him during his recent birthday celebration. The birthday celebration, put together by Filipino-American parishioners of St. Pius V Church.

WASHINGTON – The Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) joined immigrant families and their supporters, including elected officials and legal experts, at a rally for immigrant rights on the steps of the US Supreme Court last Tuesday, April 18. The Supreme Court began hearing oral arguments in United States v. Texas, a case that will determine the expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and the establishment of the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) programs. The new and expanded programs could benefit five million undocumented immigrants, including nearly half a million Asian Americans. AAPCHO and its members continue to support President Obama’s executive actions to expand DACA and establish DAPA, and urge the Supreme Court to lift the injunction currently placed on these programs. Under expanded DACA and the new DAPA

programs, eligible immigrants can apply for protection from deportation and a work permit. “Asian American, Pacific Islander, and all communities at large would benefit from these two initiatives,” said Jeffrey Caballero, executive director of AAPCHO. “These programs would help grow our economy, create jobs and most importantly—would help to keep millions of families united.” AAPCHO, with its member community health centers, have long advocated for these and other programs to improve the health status and access of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Health centers serve these and other communities with families who are among those at risk of being separated, and who are prevented from participating and contributing more fully in their communities due to the broken US immigration system. President Obama announced DAPA and expanded DACA on November 2014. Soon after, Texas and 25 other states filed a lawsuit challenging these

actions and in February 2015, a federal district court in Texas put these initiatives on hold. The Administration’s appeal has travelled from the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in November 2015, to the Supreme Court, who agreed to hear the case this past January. AAPCHO joined an amicus brief and were among a diverse coalition of over 300 civil rights and immigration groups in support of the President’s actions, urging the Supreme Court to allow the programs to move forward. To learn more about those who would be impacted by this Supreme Court case, visit www. fightforfamilies.org. About AAPCHO AAPCHO is a national association of 35 community health organizations dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders in the United States. For more information on AAPCHO, please visit www. aapcho.org.

April 22-28, 2016 www.asianjournal.com