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w w w. a s i a n Volume 24 - No. 14 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

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‘UN video behind Robredo rating dip’ by JefferSon

antiporDa ManilaTimes.net

VICe President Leni robredo’s controversial video message to the United Nations (UN) about the government’s campaign against illegal drugs could be behind the drop in her satisfaction ratings, according to a political analyst. Professor ramon Casiple, executive director of the Institute for Political and electoral reform (IPer), said the 11-point dip in robredo’s ratings was beyond the “normal range.” In the latest social Weather stations survey held from march 25 to 28, robredo got a “moderate” +26 net satisfaction rating, one grade down from the “good” +37 she received in December last year. she registered the biggest decline in ratings among top gov-

Vice President Leni Robredo’s controversial video message to the United Nations (UN) about the government’s campaign against illegal drugs could be behind the drop in her satisfaction ratings, according to a political analyst.

rating, Casiple said. ernment officials. robredo is the chairperson of Aside from the UN video controversy, the opposition’s vague the Liberal Party. the vice president drew flak role and the weak projection of its position on raging issues also last month because of the video contributed to her satisfaction PAGE A2

CHRIST THE SAVIOR STATUE. Policemen join 150 drug surrenderees bring construction materials to Pilgrims’ Island at the Hundred Islands National Park on Wednesday, April 12. The group helped complete the 56-foot statue of Christ the Savior in time for the Lenten break. Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president and Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said that the best way to observe Holy Week is by doing charitable works like helping the poor and visiting the sick in hospital. Philstar.com photo by Cesar Ramirez

DATELINE

Ramos tells Duterte: US is PH’s ‘most sincere, devoted’ ally

USA

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Major General Tony Taguba sounds off on caregiving, Filipino WWII vets recognition After 35 illustrious years serving in the United states Army, major General Antonio “tony” taguba has dedicated his life to two crucial missions: stressing the importance of family caregiving and assuring filipino World War II Veterans receive the recognition they deserve. the major general’s F i l i p i n o -A m e r i c a n M a j o r efforts go beyond the General Tony Taguba PAGE A4

Immigrants in Orange County urged to seek screenings and naturalization services

In this image released on Feb. 13, 2017 by photographer Daniel Berehulak for The New York Times, heavy rain pours as police operatives investigate inside an alley where a victim, Romeo Joel Torres Fontanilla, 37, was killed by two unidentified gunmen riding motorcycles in the early morning in Manila, Philippines. President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines began his anti-drug campaign when he took office on June 30, 2016. Since then, more than 2,000 people have been slain at the hands of the police alone. Beyond those killed in official drug operations, the Philippine National Police have counted more than 3,500 unsolved homicides since July 1. The victims, suspected users and pushers, are not afforded any semblance of due process. Daniel Berehulak for The New York Times/World Press

Photojournalist wins Pulitzer Prize for photo series on PH drug killings

the United states is the Philippines’ “most sincere, devoted, patriotic, and fearless” ally, former Philippine President fidel V. ramos said on tuesday, April 11. In his speech during the third day of commemorating the Bataan Death march of 1942, ramos expressed his hope that President rodrigo Duterte would realize in time the great importance of the decades-long relationship between the Philippines and U.s.

Are you eligible for CalEITC? Don’t leave income on the table, advocates urge by ViJi

SunDaraM NewAmericaMedia

Malacañang “respects” Pulitzer decision by Klarize

MeDenilla AJPress

A freeLANCe photographer for The New York Times was one of the many journalists selected for the coveted 2017 Pulitzer Prize for his photographs depicting the antidrug campaign in the Philippines.

the Pulitzer Prize board selected Australian photojournalist Daniel Berehulak’s blistering photo series “they Are slaughtering Us Like Animals” for the Breaking News Photography category for his “powerful storytelling...showing PAGE A4

Duterte, who assumed the presidency in July last year, reportedly had a strained relationship with the U.s. under former President Barack obama. Duterte constantly attacked Washington with profane-laced speeches, and even threatened to end joint military drills and chase U.s. troops out of mindanao. Lately, however, Duterte seems to have warmed up to the U.s. after President Donald trump took office earlier in January. “he (Duterte) may not know it, but PAGE A2

State Senator Toni Atkins

Community groups in orange County are calling on immigrants — regardless of legal status — to seek comprehensive screenings in light of the trump administration’s crackdown on immigration. Asian Americans Advancing Justice - orange County (Advancing Justice-oC) is one organization, part of a county-wide collaborative of service providers, that has recently expanded its citizenship services by offering free to low-cost options to meet the cultural and linguistic demands of immigrants who are either undocumented or are green card holders. “Naturalization is the best way to protect yourself and your rights,” Andrew Ji, supervising attorney at Advancing Justice-oC, said during a Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II and US Chargé d’Affaires Michael Klecheski sign the child protection PAGE A2 compact (CPC) at the Department of Justice (DOJ) on April 11, 2017. Photo from the Dept. of Justice

JUstIN redmond no longer has to spend hours on public transportation commuting to work and school from his home in san Bernadino County. With the $600 tax credit that the 23-year-old received from the state of California last year, he was able to finally fix his car, something his $800a-month janitorial salary didn’t allow him to do. “I had been struggling to get around,” he says. redmond is among hundreds of thousands of low-income residents who benefited from the California earned Income tax Credit (CaleItC) program that the state launched in 2015 to help famiPAGE A2

PH, US sign child protection agreement against trafficking by Dana

SioSon AJPress

the Philippines and the United states have signed the Child Protection Compact (CPC) on tuesday, April 11, as part of efforts to address trafficking and abuse of filipino children. Philippine Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, who is also chair of the Inter-Agency Council

Against trafficking (IACAt), signed the agreement with U.s. embassy in manila Chargé d’Affaires michael Klecheski at the Department of Justice (DoJ) office. “to protect the future generation of filipinos from exploitation by organized criminal groups, the Philippines and the United states took it as a responsibility to device PAGE A2

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From the Front Page

PH, US sign child protection agreement... PAGE A1

(OSEC) and Child Labor Trafa concerted and well-coordi- ficking (CLT) cases.” The CPC also seeks “to nated response against child labor trafficking,” Aguirre said strengthen government’s and civil society’s capacities to in a statement. According to Aguirre, the identify and provide compreCPC aims “to increase the hensive services for victims” number of victims-centered and “to strengthen existing investigations, prosecutions, community-based mechanisms and convictions of Online Sex- for identifying and protecting ual Exploitation of Children child victims.”

The implementation of the deal will be piloted in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Central Visayas (Region VII). “The evil of human trafficking should be fought on all fronts. We should channel our collective efforts towards eradicating it. Anything that debases or dehumanizes the dignity of a person is an abomination that must end,” Aguirre said during the signing of the agreement. He further added, “Slavery and exploitation has no place in any society. Any act that which enslaves or exploits our children magnifies the evil a hundredfold.” Under the deal, the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons will provide $3.5 million fund to non-governmental or international organizations that would address OSEC and CLT. According to Aguirre, $3 million of the said fund will be allocated to support capacity-building related to improving Philippines’ response to OSEC. The remaining $500,000, meanwhile, will be used to support activities related to Philippines’ response to CLT. The Philippines, for its part, will also allot P40 million for the intensified child protection programs. Apart from DOJ, also included in the agreement were the following Philippine government agencies: Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). “Let us not leave no stone unturned in our avowed purpose to protect our children. Let us send a message, a strong one at that. Hurt our children, and we will come after you. And you will not like it,” Aguirre said. Also involved were the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Philippine National Police (PNP). (Dana M. Sioson/AJPress)

‘UN video behind Roberedo... PAGE A1 message she sent during the 60th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (UNCND) wherein she criticized the illegal drug war of the administration. Senate President Aquilino Pimentel 3rd was one of those who demanded that Robredo rectify some of her claims, particularly that part when she said that more than 7,000 people were victims of extra judicial killings. Casiple said Robredo should not shrug off her waning ratings. “It (decline) is not within the normal range and although it is still good, she needs to pay more attention,” he explained.

But LP said that the 11-point drop was expected. Senator Francis Pangilinan, president of the erstwhile ruling party, said Robredo’s satisfactory ratings declined because some sectors “may not be in agreement with her positions on several issues.” Pangilinan noted that even President Rodrigo Duterte satisfaction rating dropped by seven percentage points. “The 11-point drop means that a segment of the population may not be in agreement with a number of positions she has taken, but that is expected as well,” Pangilinan said. The camp of Robredo took the

drop in her rating in stride, saying it is a reminder to “do better.” “We take every survey as a continuing challenge to do better and make a bigger difference in the lives of the marginalized,” Georgina Hernandez, the spokesperson for the Vice President, said in a statement. “We are grateful for the continued trust of our fellow Filipinos in the recent SWS satisfaction ratings. The support of the majority is an encouragement to Vice President Leni Robredo, who is working with communities and partners to address poverty around the country,” Hernandez added.

Ramos tells Duterte: US is PH’s ‘most... PAGE A1

I’m sure he will know it very quickly that the Americans have always been our most sincere, devoted, patriotic, and fearless allies in war and peace,” said Ramos. On that day, Ramos lead the 10-kilometer “Freedom March” as part of the commemorating the bravery and heroism of Filipino and American soldiers who were subjected to a death march by Japanese invaders in 1942. The former president highlighted in his speech that the surrendering of 80,000 death march victims in Bataan does not mark the end of the country’s war against Japan. According to Ramos, Filipino and American soldiers continued its resistance against invaders through guerilla warfare. “It was their bravery, their determination to fight the enemy, their desire to see the Philippines liberated once more that made them so successful,” he said. Ramos also made note that it

Former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos and Pres. Rodrigo Duterte

was Colonel Wendell Fertig of the United States Armed Forces, an American mining engineer, who led the most successful guerilla unit in the Philippines. Stressing the need of a nation to maintain its diplomatic and socio-economic relations with other countries, Ramos said there are threats, citing, in particular, environmental and health issues,

that could only be solved through international cooperation. “We must work towards closer cooperation among nations,” he said. “The world is too dangerous if left to itself.” Ramos also urged the public to not believe any reports suggesting the end of Philippine-U.S. ties under the present administration.

Are you eligible for... PAGE A1

lies making less than $14,000 a year. The program allowed some 385,000 people statewide who filed tax returns for 2015 to get the credit, of about 600,000 who were eligible. “A super majority of Americans are living in a persistent state of economic anxiety,” says Joseph Sanberg, the founder and chair of the educational campaign around the new tax credit. “Seventy-five percent of Americans cannot afford a $700 financial shock. The CalEITC is a direct way to boost the income of low-income workers and give them the economic security to fulfill their human potential.” California is one of 25 states, including the District of Columbia, with such a program. There’s been a federal earned income tax credit since the 1970s, but now more states are instituting their own programs as well. In California, the average state payout is just over $500. “Think of the ways an extra $500 can help a struggling family,” says State Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego). Atkins had pushed for the credit during her time as the Assem-

bly Speaker because, she says, “a refundable tax credit is proven to be an effective tool for helping lift families out of poverty.” “But we have more work to do,” she says. “First, we must continue to spread the word about this tax credit … too many people are leaving this income on the table, simply because they don’t yet know about it. Second, when the state budget will allow it, I would like to see the program expanded so that more workers are eligible.” Last year, Sanberg unsuccessfully tried to get the state legislature to raise California’s EITC income threshold from its current $14,000 a year to $20,800, so that full-time workers making the $10-an-hour minimum wage could be eligible. There are two bills currently in the Assembly that would open eligibility to full-time minimum wage earners and to self-employed taxpayers, for taxable years starting in January 2017. “CalEITC must be expanded to serve more working families,” says Sanberg. “By increasing the eligibility threshold to full-time minimum wage, and including self-employment earnings, families who struggle daily but still

make too much to receive the current EITC will be able to access a life-changing boost in income.” Advocates promoting the tax credit are making an extra effort to inform residents of economically depressed counties like San Bernardino. Redmond found out about the program through notices sent out by his school, San Bernardino Valley College. The first-time tax filer took advantage of the free services offered by Volunteer Income-Tax Assessment (VITA), which set up a mobile site on the school campus. “This tax season there’s a lot more awareness [of the new tax credit],” says Jason Montiel, a spokesperson for the state’s Franchise Tax Board who also volunteers as a VITA tax preparer. He says that low-income people should not abstain from filing their tax returns just because they’re not required to (in California, people making less than $16,000 a year aren’t required to file at all). In order to receive the tax credit, low-income residents have to be sure to file their taxes by April 18. n

Immigrants in Orange County urged to seek... PAGE A1 press conference in Santa Ana on Friday, April 7. “With the new administration showing a willingness to target even long-time green card holders, we strongly advise any eligible immigrant to apply for citizenship.” Orange County is proportionally more Asian American than any other county in Southern California. Within the Asian American community, 62 percent are foreign-born. The county is home to an estimated 220,000 individuals who are eligible to naturalize, of which nearly 50 percent is Mexican American while nearly 30 percent are Asian American. Further, Orange County is also home to an estimated 250,000 undocumented immigrants, second in the state behind Los Angeles County — nearly 10 percent of the county’s population. “Unfortunately, our undocumented Asian American population is often overlooked because there is a high level of stigma and shame to identify as undocumented,” Ji said. Rep. Lou Correa (D-Calif.) added, “Things are very uncertain at this time. We are dealing with an environment that is shifting politically and what we need to do are two things: let our communities know that this is going on. This president has said over and over again that his policy is deportations…We [also] want to know the laws because we want to follow the laws. We need to know our rights because in this country we have due process.” Speakers on Friday also high-

Representatives of 17 agencies and organizations within Orange County, in cooperation with Rep. Lou Correa of California’s 46th District, held a press conference on Friday, April 7 to urge all eligible community members to pursue immigration screenings if undocumented or are eligible to naturalize. AJPress photo by Mark Xavier Bautista

lighted the benefits that come with naturalization, including the ability to vote for representatives on a local and federal level, and safely travel domestically and abroad. “Having citizenship will go you those rights to have safe travel and give you those protections at U.S. consulates abroad,” Daniel Cheung, staff attorney at Advancing JusticeOC, said. “In the current political climate, naturalization and citizenship are the best protections we can give ourselves. Legal permanent resident [status] doesn’t mean anything in this administration.” The Orange County collaborative of 17 social service, community-based, and legal service organizations has the capacity to serve six languages (Arabic, Chinese Mandarin, Khmer, Korean,

Farsi, Vietnamese, and Spanish) and offers immigration screenings, assistance with citizenship applications, ESL classes, practice naturalization exams, and more. “We’re all immigrants. Let’s remember that and let’s remember the strength that has made America great — the immigrants and hard work of people leaving their homelands for a better America, coming here with nothing but their dreams to work hard and make this a greater country,” Correa said. Immigrants may schedule an appointment for immigration or citizenship-related services by contacting immrelief@advancingjustice-oc.org or calling Advancing Justice-OC’s toll-free helpline numbers at (888) 3499695 (English) or (855) 300-2552 (Tagalog). (AJPress)

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Dateline USa

Overseas voter registration continues to set new record

THE Department of Foreign Affairs - Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA-OVS) announced on April 7, that after four (4) months of overseas voter registration, that commenced last 01 December 2016 and will end on 30 September 2018, a new milestone has been established by garnering 105,333 new OV registrants, surpassing the previous high of 103,048 set over the same period during 2014-2015 registration drive. The overseas voter registration in preparation for the 2016 elections netted a cumulative total of 1,376,067 active registered overseas voters. The 826,881 new registrants for the 2016 elections, was more than a 100% increase over the 398,554 new registrants for the 2013 elections. Of the almost 1.4 million registered overseas voters, 590,440 were in the Middle East and Africa, 334,215 in the Asia Pacific, 263,316 in the Americas, 138,757 in Europe, and 49,339 were Seabased. The attainable target for this registration period is 1.1 million OV registrants, which would net a cumulative total of 2,130,000 active registered voters for the coming national

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Breast cancer rates increasing among Asian Americans

Researchers examined breast cancer incidence rates among seven Asian American ethnic groups in this new study

FREMONT, Calif. — In contrast to other US racial/ethnic groups, Asian Americans have experienced steadily increasing breast cancer rates over the past 15 years. To better understand potential contributors to this increase, researchers at the Cancer Prevention Institute of California (CPIC) examined cancer incidence trends by age and stage among women from seven Asian All Filipino citizens who ex- American ethnic groups in Calielections. “This is once again an evi- pect to be abroad from 13 April fornia from 1988 through 2013. dence of the hard-work and ded- – 13 May 2019 during the over- The findings were epublished ication of the men and women seas voting period for the 2019 ahead of print in the April issue of our Foreign Service who are Elections, at least 18 years old on of Breast Cancer Research and aggressively campaigning to en- 13 May 2019, and not otherwise Treatment. Although prior research has courage more overseas Filipinos disqualified by law, may registo participate in this on- going ter as an overseas voter, at all examined subtype-specific incielectoral exercise. Our media Philippine Foreign Service Posts dence patterns among Asians/ partners and other OV stake- including the three (3) Manila Pacific Islanders as whole, this holders are also playing a vital Economic and Cultural Offices is the first examination of subrole in disseminating overseas (MECO) in Taiwan and Philippine type-specific incidence patterns voting awareness among our Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in among Asian American ethkababayans abroad,” said Un- Al-Khobar (for an updated list nicities and the variation among dersecretary Ariel Y. Abadilla, please go to www.dfa-oavs.gov. Asian American ethnic groups. Asian Americans includes who is concurrently Chairman of ph or www.comelec.gov.ph). populations from nearly 30 counREGISTER AND VOTE! DFA-OVS. tries with differing migration patterns, socioeconomic status, health behaviors and culture, all which contribute to differences in disease incidence. In this selected cap-subject petitions 2018 H-1B cap. The agency will continue to study, seven major ethnicities that are not duplicate filings. It will, however, continue to ac- accept and process petitions were evaluated: Chinese, Japacept and process petitions that filed to: extend the amount of nese, Korean, Filipino, Vietnamare otherwise exempt from the time a current H-1B worker may ese, South Asians (Asian Indians remain in the United States; and Pakistanis), and Southeast cap. On April 3, USCIS said it change the terms of employ- Asians (Cambodians, Laotians, would temporarily suspend ment for current H-1B workers; Hmong, Thai). All Asian Americans groups, premium processing for all allow current H-1B workers to H1-B petitions, including cap- change employers; and allow with the exception of Japanese, exempt petitions, for up to six current H-1B workers to work experienced an overall incidence concurrently in a second H-1B increase. The largest increase months. was observed among Koreans, “While H-1B premium pro- position. The Trump administration South Asians and Southeast cessing is suspended, petitioners will not be able to file Form is reportedly looking to crack- Asians. Rates increased for disI-907, Request for Premium down on H1-B abuses, with the tant stage disease among FilipiProcessing Service for a Form USCIS saying it would conduct nas. Among women over age 50, I-129, Petition for a Nonimmi- site visits of petitioners suspectincreases occurred in all Asian grant Worker which requests ed of misusing the program. In a statement earlier this American ethnic groups while the H-1B nonimmigrant classification. We will notify the pub- month, the Department of Jus- for women younger than 50 large lic before resuming premium tice (DOJ) said it “will not tolprocessing for H-1B petitions,” erate employers misusing the H-1B visa process to discrimiit said. Petitions filed on behalf of nate against U.S. workers. U.S. current H-1B workers who workers should not be placed PAGE A1 have been counted previously in a disfavored status, and the the callous disregard for human against the cap, and who still department is wholeheartedly life in the Philippines brought retain their cap number, will committed to investigating and about by a government assault on also not be counted toward the vigorously prosecuting these drug dealers and users.” Berehulak’s series — which congressionally mandated FY claims.” (AJPress) was shot over a span of 35 days — featured 57 murder victims at 41 sites in the Manila and Quezon City areas. It provided an inside look at rainy crime scenes, overcrowded jails filled with drug suspects and night shots of city life that set the backdrop of the crackdown. “What I experienced in the Philippines felt like a new level of ruthlessness: police officers’ summarily shooting anyone suspected of dealing or even using drugs, vigilantes’ taking seriously Mr. Duterte’s call to ‘slaughter them all,’” the photojournalist wrote in the article that accompanied his photos.

USCIS hits annual H1-B visa cap

THE U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached the congressionally mandated 85,000 H-1B visa cap for fiscal year 2018, it announced in a statement. The quota was met within five days since the applications opened on April 3, the federal agency said on Friday, April 7. This is the fifth consecutive year that the cap has been fulfilled in less than a week. The program has allocated 65,000 slots for foreign workers and an additional 20,000 for the U.S. advanced degree exemption, also known as the master’s cap. The total number of H1-B applications received this year has yet to be announced. Businesses in the United States use the H-1B program to employ foreign workers in occupations that require specialized knowledge, such as science, engineering and computer-related fields. The agency will reject and return filing fees for all un-

increases occurred for Vietnamese and other Southeast Asian groups. Although breast cancer incidence rates in Asian American women as a whole were lower than rates for whites, the rates for Japanese and Filipinas under age 50 were comparable to rates for similarly aged white women. Breast cancer incidence also varies by disease subtype defined by tumor expression of hormone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Within California, proportionally more breast cancers expressed HER2 in Korean, Filipino, Vietnamese, and Chinese women than in white women. According to Scarlett Lin Gomez, the lead researcher of the study, “These patterns warrant additional attention to public health prioritization to target disparities in access to care, as well as further research in identifying relevant breast cancer risk factors for specific breast cancer subtypes. In particular, studies should investigate risk factors, perhaps early-life exposures, underlying the higher rates of breast cancer among young Filipino and Japanese women, with attention to possible genetic susceptibility.” Increasing trends of late-stage disease, particularly among Filipino, Korean and South Asian women, suggest a need for higher rates of mammography screening in these populations. Mammography utilization rates in California are slightly lower in Asian American women than in other racial/ethnic groups and among Asian Americans, Korean and South Asian women have the lowest mammography utilization, consistent with their higher rates of later-stage disease. The disproportionately high rates of some HER2 negative overexpressing subtypes also require better understanding, as

this subtype tends to grow more quickly, spread more aggressively, and present more often as high-grade disease than the more common hormone receptors or HER2 negative tumors. To conduct this study, researchers used data from the population-based California Cancer Registry in a state that is both the largest in the U.S. and has the most substantial population of Asian Americans. Comparison data were drawn for whites. From 1988-2013, researchers identified 45,721 invasive breast cancer cases among Asian Americans. Other researchers who participated in this study from CPIC are Julie Von Behren, Meg McKinley, Christina A. Clarke, Salma Shariff-Marco, Iona Cheng, Peggy Reynolds and Sally L. Glaser. This work was supported by the Stanford Cancer Institute and the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program under contract HHSN261201000140C awarded to the Cancer Prevention Institute of California. About the Cancer Prevention Institute of California The Cancer Prevention Institute of California is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing cancer and to reducing its burden where it cannot yet be prevented. We are the only freestanding research institution working solely to prevent cancer using extensive population data. Our researchers study a wide range of cancer risk factors, such as racial/ethnic background, socioeconomic status, age, occupation, gender, genetic predisposition, geographic location, environment and lifestyle to determine how these factors affect frequency, distribution and types of cancers. For more information, visit the CPIC website at www.cpic.org.

Photojournalist wins Pulitzer Prize for... This is Berehulak’s second Pulitzer; he won in 2015 for feature photography for his coverage of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa. Despite its criticism of Western coverage on the drug war, Malacañang respects the decision to reward Berehulak for images. “The Pulitzer Prize Board has its own criteria and selection process and we respect their decision on this matter,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella wrote in a statement on Tuesday, also acknowledging “the Western press has been highly critical of the Duterte administration’s campaign against illegal drug traffickers and violators.” Media coverage on President Rodrigo Duterte’s violent drug crackdown has made international headlines since the president

assumed office last June, and the president has not taken too kindly to the coverage. Most recently, Duterte called out the media for “unfair” and “twisted” coverage on his presidency, accusing various domestic publications of distorting his words regarding the war on drugs. “They become really vicious and virulent,” the president said in remarks before the Philippine Councilors’ League on Thursday, March 29. “Ganun yan. Mabasa, makita mo naman talagang tinitwist nila. Yung slant na slant. Sinasadya nila. (They’re like that. You can read and see how they twist [the story], the slant. They do it consciously). They do not complete the sentence. They zero-in on the adjective or however you describe the situation.”

Major General Tony Taguba sounds off... PAGE A1 mere expression of these two very important issues that greatly affect the Filipino-American community. Taguba — who is the second American citizen of Philippine birth to be promoted to the general rank in the U.S. — has lobbied lawmakers to provide more benefits to Filipino WWII Veterans, even rallying behind the Congressional Gold Medal award, which was signed by former President Barack Obama late last year. Taguba currently serves as a community ambassador for the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the nation’s leader in advocating for more benefits for retired senior citizens. At AARP, he lobbies for more resources in public health, particularly for family caregiving, which he calls a crucial “national public health issue” that “starts with the family.” “Caregiving is a 24/7 job, 365 days a year,” Taguba told the Asian Journal. Taguba learned how difficult family caregiving can be from his own experience of caring for his mother. She was dying of stomach cancer and Taguba and his six siblings had to organize a family caregiving system, and it was not easy. “We were not prepared,” he recounted. “I called it ‘discovery learning.’ We were just going along, relying on primary doctors and not looking at other forms of care like looking into social workers or geriatricians. That would have made a difference.” “I share my story because there’s always a better plan,” Taguba added, emphasizing the importance of preparation. “It’s never going to be perfect, but it can ease the pain, grief, and guilt

because if you’ve done it once, you’re going to do it again. After a while, we thought if it could happen to my mom, it can happen to us.” Family and the comfort of home play two important roles when it comes to making end-oflife decisions for Filipinos, and Taguba recognizes that. Most families will eventually have to turn to family caregiving, and it will be a struggle, he said. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible; he advises all loved ones to research all the options available rather than relying on only a few sources. As an ambassador for AARP, he goes around the country to tell the stories of people’s experiencing in caregiving. In collaboration with AARP, he created a documentary called Caregiving Dahil Mahal Kita (Because I Love You). Through this, he exemplifies an important point: there’s no one-size-fits-all option for caregiving. He’s committed to letting people know that all the resources are out there and that families can get started at AARP. “There’s no one answer, but there’s a lot of answers,” Taguba affirmed. “AARP is the lead organization for those that want to get started on family caregiving because they’re the leader in identifying resources and getting families prepared. The elderly have a multiplicity of ailments and you can’t just rely on one source, and you can’t do it alone. You’ll get devastated and overworked on your own. But the first thing I tell people is to ask around the area. Ask a doctor, ask a nurse or find a social worker.” He’s also lobbied in Congress to challenge lawmakers who want to reduce funding to Medicaid and other governmentfunded programs that provide

resources to public health As a veteran of the U.S. Army and the son of a Filipino WWII guerilla fighter who escaped the Bataan Death March, Taguba holds dearly to him the recognition of the efforts of Filipino WWII veterans, about 15,000 of whom are still alive today. “They struggled for over 75 years. Nobody cared about them and history was not kind to them and the past five to six years we decided that we have to congregate something for them by rewarding them the Congressional Gold Medal,” Taguba said. Filipino WWII veterans were one of the seven minority veterans who fought in the war with about 260,000 Filipinos lending their efforts to fight for the Allied Forces. However, they were “the last to have been disenfranchised, disassociated and denied recognition,” Taguba noted. “We need to do something right; 75 years is a long time to be forgotten,” he said. Taguba chairs the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FILVETREP), an organization with the mission to promote academic research to raise public awareness of the massive Filipino efforts during the Second World War. The retired major general acknowledged the progress that has been made in terms of providing Filipino WWII with payment, benefits and public recognition. But he believes that more work needs to be done with educating the youth about these veterans and the enormous effort on their part. “Kids and grandkids [of those soldiers], like myself, want to tell the world that their history is our story, their story is our history,” Taguba declared. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

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D ateline PhiliPPines Binays seek court permission Duterte meets with Saudi king on trade, security for Holy Land pilgrimage by ElizabEth

MarcElo

Philstar.com

MANILA — Former Vice President Jejomar Binay and his son, former Makati Mayor Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr., have asked the Sandiganbayan for permission to travel to Israel for a religious vacation. In separate motions filed before the court’s Third Division, the Binays said they intend to leave the country from May 15 to May 29 for their family’s “spiritually-charged pilgrimage” to Israel’s Holy Land. The elder Binay said he will be joined by his wife Elenita Binay, their children, grandchildren and in-laws during the pilgrimage. The Binay father and son are facing cases of graft, malversation of public funds and falsification of public documents before the Third Division in connection with the alleged overpriced construction of the P2.2-billion Makati City Hall Building II, also referred as the Makati parking building. Mrs. Binay, who is also facing graft and malversation cases before the Third Division, has yet to file a similar motion. Mrs. Binay’s cases stemmed from the alleged anomalous purchase of hospital beds and sterilizers for the Ospital ng Makati during her term as Makati mayor in 2001 and 200, respectively. The Third Division had earlier issued a hold departure order against the three Binays to prevent them from leaving the country without permission from the court. “Movant believes that this pilgrimage to the Holy Land is an exceptional case for a devout Catholic. Movant respectfully

The Binays plan to go on pilgrimage with their children, grandchildren and in-laws.

submits also, that the permission to travel from this Honorable Court is likewise in line with the state policy, where the state give importance to the sanctity of family life and shall protect the same,” the older Binay said in his motion. Former Vice President Binay maintained that his intended travel will not delay court proceedings as he still has a pending motion to re-raffle the cases. The court is set to hear the Binays motions on April 19. European tour for Mike Arroyo Meanwhile, in another motion filed before the anti-graft court’s Seventh Division, Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s husband Jose Miguel Arroyo asked permission for a monthlong travel to Europe particularly to Spain, France, Denmark, Norway, Hungary, Czech Republic and Italy. Arroyo did not indicate in his motion the reason for his trip but said that he intends to leave on May 15 and return to the Philip-

pines on June 17. The former president’s husband is facing graft charges before the Seventh Division in connection with the alleged sale of overpriced helicopters to the Philippine National Police in 2009. He said that he is not a flight risk as proven by his return to the country in his previous trips abroad. Arroyo also pointed out that “he has no reason not to return” to the Philippines “as is its here where his family and business interests are”. Arroyo said that since he has not been convicted of any crime, he still enjoys the constitutional right to travel subject to the restrictions of law and preconditions that the court may impose. “Accused-movant humbly submits that, while facing charges before this Honorable Court, he continuously enjoys the right to be presumed innocent until proven otherwise,” Arroyo said.

China to copy office of PH Ombudsman by JaiME

PilaPil Manilatimes.net

CHINA’S top graftbuster personally invited Office of the Ombudsman chief Conchita Carpio-Morales to Beijing to learn how her office works in their bid to craft a law that will establish an all-encompassing anti-graft body. Liu Jianchao, vice minister of the National Bureau of Corruption Prevention and director-general of the Department of International Cooperation of Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party, personally visited Morales at her office on Monday, April 10. “I learn a lot from the Ombudsman herself. Her office has the independence it enjoys. It conducts investigation, very interesting and impressive. It is an institution that is well in place. There are similarities with our offices but we want to learn more that’s why we are inviting her,” Liu told select journalists during an interview in a hotel in Manila. Liu, a former ambassador to the Philippines, is assigned to rid the Communist Party of China of corrupt members, some of whom have left China and brought with them their loot.

He said the party has 88 million members and about 44,000 have been either expelled or punished severely for corruption. “We want to stop corruption in a more determined way. The Communist Party is different from the government of China. But since they [party members]will become our leaders, we have to make sure that they are not corrupt. Yes, our party rules are stricter,” Liu added. In two years, he said, the Chinese government will put up a National Commission on Supervision (NCS) similar to the Office of the Ombudsman of the Philippines. “With the establishment of the NCS, this new office can now investigate and prosecute suspected corrupt officials, including those involved in statesponsored projects,” according to Liu. “A big part of the public sector will be covered after the NCS’s creation.” As a prelude to the creation of the NCS, he said, the government had set up the so-called Sky Net whose targets are the 2,500 Chinese fugitives who laundered about $1 billion. To make it more achievable, Liu added, they came up with a list of the top 100 wanted persons. In 2015, the Sky Net yielded the

first Chinese fugitive in the person of Li Huabo, who was repatriated despite he and his family having been able to obtain permanent residency in Singapore. Li was a former finance chief of a province and allegedly embezzled $20 million. The Chinese government was able to recover all of Li’s assets. Liu said these wanted party members are considered a threat to national economic and even national security as they can finance any terror activity. He disclosed that China has an existing repatriation agreement with the Philippines and with about 50 other countries. Liu said China has no such agreement with the United States, Canada, New Zealand and some countries in Europe. In coordination with Interpol (International Police Organization), about 39 fugitives were brought back to China. Liu, meanwhile, clarified that his visit to the Philippines has nothing to do with the multibillion-dollar investment of Chinese companies here. Chinese firms, he said, are told to operate within the bounds of existing laws of countries where they operate.

For vote recount, SC orders Marcos to pay P66-M

by alExis

roMEro Philstar.com

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — President Duterte and Saudi Arabia King Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud have agreed to boost their cooperation on trade and security on Wednesday, April 12 in an engagement described as “a meeting between friends.” Duterte is in a three-country trip to the Middle East, the Philippines’ largest source of oil imports and the source of $7.6 billion worth of overseas Filipino workers’ remittance. He arrived in Saudi Arabia last Monday, the first time a Philippine president visited the country in eight years. The president left for Bahrain on Wednesday and will cap his Middle East trip with a visit to Qatar. One of the highlights of Duterte’s three-day state visit here is his meeting with King Salman in the monarch’s private residence. “The president and King Salman met and had a productive discussion. They acknowledged that the president’s visit here will strengthen the Philippines’ relationship with Saudi Arabia. They discussed possible areas of cooperation on the economic, trade and security areas,” Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said at a press conference. “It was more of a meeting between friends. On the whole, there was a very good rapport,” he added. Manalo said King Salman informed Duterte of hs policy to create employment opportunities and expressed hopes that the Philippines would take advantage of it. Duterte thanked the king for hosting the more than 600,000 Filipino workers and thanked him for pardoning those who committed crimes. Shared concern: Terrorism Manalo said the two leaders also discussed terrorism which they considered the “largest threat to the world today. He said Duterte and King Salman vowed to support each other’s campaign against terrorism and violent extremism. “Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to support peace

ROYAL WELCOME. President Rodrigo Duterte listens to Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Al Saud, Governor of Riyadh upon his arrival at the Royal Terminal of the King Khalid International Airport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday, April 10. Malacañang photo

and stability in their respective regions,” Manalo said. Duterte and King Salman also discussed the campaign against illegal drugs and closer cooperation between their defense institutions. “Officials from the defense department and their defense ministry will hold discussions on how we can exchange information and intelligence and conduct training of our officials,” Manalo said. Three agreements inked At the end of their meeting, Duterte and King Salman witnessed the signing of three agreements on political consultations, diplomatic academies and labor. The memorandum of agreement on political consultation seeks to establish a mechanism that would allow the Philippines and Saudi Arabia to coordinate closely on issues of common interest. The Philippines and Saudi Arabia also inked a cooperation program that will allow their diplomatic academies to strengthen their cooperation. The agreement between the Philippines’ Foreign Service Institute and Saudi Arabia’s Institute of Diplomatic Studies will focus on information sharing, research, teaching of foreign language and training of diplomats. Also signed was the cooperation agreement on labor recruit-

ment and employment. Manalo said the agreement aims to protect the rights of empkoyers and workers by controlling the recruitment costs, streamlining recruitment system including the automation of processes and protecting workers’ salaries from fee deductions that stemmed from recruitment costs, facilitating repatriation and handling labor disputes. State-run Muslim channel? On the sidelines of the two leaders’ meeting, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar met his Saudi counterpart Adel Al Toraifi to discuss the Philippine government’s plan to launch state-run Muslim channel Salaam TV in June. “This is one avenue they (Muslims) can voice out,” Andanar said. Andanar said Adel was willing to assist the Presidential Communications Operations Office in setting up the Muslim channel. Possible energy cooperation Energy secretary Alfonso Cusi also submitted a draft memorandum of understanding to his Saudi Arabian counterpart Khalid A. Al-Falih for a possible energy cooperation between Manila and Riyadh. Cusi also invited Saudi’s energy officials to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Cooperation Dialogue to be held in the Philippines from Aug. 7 to 11.

Binigay nila ang lahat sa iyo.

by JoMar

canlas Manilatimes.net

THE Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), has ordered former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to pay P63 million for the recount of votes in his poll protest against Vice President Leni Robredo. Robredo was ordered to pay P15.4 million. The tribunal directed Marcos to deposit P33 million before April 14, Good Friday. The P30 million should be paid before July 14. Robredo was also ordered to pay the P15.4 million in two installments—P8 million on or before April 14, 2017 and P7.4 million on or before July 14. A source at the court said that Chief Justice Lourdes AranalSereno “hostaged” the release of the resolution. Marcos’ lawyer George Erwin Garcia hot hold of the resolution on April 10, 2017. The source said the court en banc ruled on the issue on March 21, 2017. The source said that the resolution was “stuck” in the office of Sereno and was released “belatedly.” “Inipit ni Sereno yung resolution ni Bongbong. Biruin mo March 21 pa na en banc yan tapos ilalabas niya kung kailan Holy Week para gipitin si Bongbong sa pagbabayad ng protest nya (Sereno sat on the resolution. The en banc tackled the

Former Sen. Bongbong Marcos and Vice Pres. Leni Robredo

issue on March 21 but she released it on Holy Week to make it difficult for Marcos to pay the amount)” the source said. As a matter of procedure, the ponente shall make the draft as agreed during the en banc and this will be sent to the chief justice for approval and release of the resolution. Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa is the ponente of the election protest. The source said that with the late release of the resolution, Marcos will be at a disadvantage because if he fails to pay the amount on time, his poll protest will be dismissed. However, under the Rules of Court, if the last day to comply

with the order of the court falls on a holiday, the payment or compliance shall be made on the next working day. This means that the Marcos camp is obliged to deposit the money with the court on April 17, a Monday, since Black Saturday and Easter Sunday are holidays. The PET ruled that Marcos should pay P500 for each of the 132,446 precincts where votes for the vice presidential election will be counted. In his protest, Marcos questioned the election result in 39,221 clustered precincts. Marcos lost to Robredo by only 263,473 votes. The former senator claimed that he was cheated.

Ngayon, ikaw naman Sa pamamagitan ng ‘paid family leave’ maaari mong makuha ang bahagi ng iyong kita para alagaan ang iyong pinakaminamahal. Kung hindi ikaw, sino?

CaliforniaPaidFamilyLeave.com

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OpiniOn

Features

A call for piety “MAY the virtues of kindness and benevolence that Christ exemplified serve as our inspiration to aid in the plight of our less fortunate fellowmen. Let the story of crucifixion challenge us to remain persevering in our struggle for a better life and a stronger society,” said President Rodrigo Duterte in his Holy Week message to Filipinos this Lenten season. Despite being a known critic of the Church, Duterte imparted his wish that Filipinos would experience a meaningful and purposeful Holy Week. “This moment of renewal of our faith sends a message of solidarity to everyone regardless of our denomination. Despite our differences as individuals, may we always choose to embody compassion as Chris has personified,” he added. As Filipinos flocked to churches on Sunday, April 9 to have their palm fronds blessed—in commemoration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem— Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle reminded the Filipino faithful of how the tradition symbolized the acceptance of Jesus. “Accepting the real Jesus is accepting His presence among the poor; those who get spat at and insulted in the society; those who kept silent even

when they are being slapped. But they are the ones who have dignity because only God knows the truth. And that’s how Jesus is, and that’s how we should follow Him,” Tagle said. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ hold a fundamental place in the lives of most Filipino Catholics. It is central, not as an abstract belief, but rather as a medium of experience and tradition that provides continuity in life, structure in the community, and principled purpose for existence. Remembering these events is more than a history lesson. To many devout Catholics, Holy Week is a chance to reenact the significant moments of Jesus Christ’s life. Pinoy Catholics reflect upon the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ through prayers. Some pray for good health and fortune, while others wish for deliverance. Some ask for a miracle, a few want to give thanks. Regardless of one’s desire behind his or her reflections, this week is all about attesting one’s faith. Regardless of one’s desire behind his/her reflecThe life and times of Jesus Christ leave us with a tions, this week is all about attesting one’s faith. This season’s message is simple: do right by others, great example to emulate. We are called to live like saints, not to make a mark in the world through sufthrough Christ’s example.

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective

GReG B. MacaBenta SOME years ago, I was asked to create an ad campaign to debunk the argument that a nonsmoking section in restaurants and other public places could spare non-smokers from the hazards of second-hand smoke. I depicted a public swimming pool where someone urinated at one end of the pool, causing all the swimmers to jump out. The headline read: “Does it make sense to have a non-pissing section in a public pool?” Indeed, if urinating in a public pool can make others “rest in piss,” second hand-smoke in a public place can literally make folks RIP. While this may seem “punny,” the health risks posed by cigarettes and second-hand smoke are no joke. This harsh reality struck me after I read a paper written by Dr. Edilberto B. Garcia, Jr., president of the Ambulatory Pediatric Association, Inc., along with a news item about the anti-smoking campaign being waged by Vital Strategies, described as “a global health organization that seeks to accelerate progress on the world’s most pressing health problems.” I think I’m familiar enough with the hazards of smoking. I used to smoke three packs a day. At the time that I still smoked, no health warnings or scare tactics could keep me away from my

fering or death, but to appeal similar honest lives. Saintly people live life the best way they can—to simply make a difference. (AJPress)

Reversing his long-held position, Trump strikes Syria: What changed?

AMID his historic 35 percent approval rating and an ongoing investigation into his alleged conspiracy with Russia to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential elecGel SantoS-ReloS tion, President Donald Trump ordered a missile strike on Friday, April 7 in Syria without seeking Congressional approval, following news reports about Syria dictator Bashar Al-Assad slaughtering innocent civilians using chemical weapons on Tuesday. According to news reports, at least 73 people were killed, 23 of whom were children, in the sarin gas attack in the rebel-held Idlib province. This “decisive” act from Trump must have been “cathartic” for a lot of people all over the world who found the horrific murder in Syria unacceptable, and felt that something would have to be done to help the people of Syria who has been suffering in the past seven years. To date, close to half a million people have been killed in the civil war waging in Syria, with many civilians forced to flee their country and seek refuge in other countries, even when this escape could mean their deaths. While CBS News polls show that a majority of Americans support Trump’s decision to launch the measured attack using 59 Tomahawk missiles in Syria, they are reluctant to get more involved in this “war” with the Middle Eastern nation. More questions arise from Trump’s action. What made Trump change his long-held position in the Syria conflict after aggressively firing tweets for then President Barack Obama to not get involved in the Syria conflict? Looking back, what were his thoughts about Obama’s possible motive in getting involved in Syria? Flashback to October 2012: “Now that Obama’s poll numbers are in tailspin – watch for him to launch a strike in Libya or Iran. He is desperate.” In 2013, Obama wanted to launch air strikes against Syria in 2013 when Assad “crossed the red line” following a chemical attack on the

Street Talk

ManilaTimes.net photo

Damascus suburbs that killed up to 1,300 people. However, Obama backed down, mainly because he could not get the British Parliament’s support, which deprived America of a key ally in any military action. When Obama asked for congressional approval pursuant to the rule of law (and Congress voted against it), Trump tweeted: “AGAIN, TO OUR VERY FOOLISH LEADER, DO NOT ATTACK SYRIA - IF YOU DO MANY VERY BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN & FROM THAT FIGHT THE U.S. GETS NOTHING!” Obama then reportedly authorized the CIA to begin arming Syria’s rebels fighting Assad in 2013, and the U.S.-led coalition currently provides intelligence, supplies and training to rebel groups — a move that Republicans had criticized Obama for. During the presidential campaign and even after being elected president, Trump continues to say that his policy is “America first.” In his first address to Congress, Trump said, “My job is not to represent the world…My job is to represent the United States of America.” Just a week before Assad’s gassing civilians in Syria, Trump continued to maintain a hands-off position. He said the U.S. diplomatic policy on Syria was no longer focused on making Assad leave power. However, the Tuesday slaughtering in Syria shocked the world anew. When the news showed gut-wrenching videos of people, including helpless babies, dying slowly and painfully because of the gas attack, public outrage all over the world made people ask what the most powerful nation would do to help the Syrian people. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley condemned the UN Security Council for failing to intervene in the Syrian civil war. “When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action,” she said before the UN Assembly. Following this, Trump said in a press conference at the White House: “A chemical attack that was so horrific in Syria, against women and small children, and even beautiful little babies, and their deaths, was an

Cigarettes: The macho killers “yosi” – not even the fact that, on most mornings, I suffered from smoker’s cough and felt as if a cat had slept in my mouth I spent my teenage years in the movie industry where smoking was a macho thing. Holding a stick between my fingers or letting it hang from my mouth made me feel like the rugged Marlboro Man in that classic Westernthemed TV commercial. Well, guess what. The Marlboro Man – in fact, four men who played that role in the commercial series - died of lung cancer caused by smoking. Another macho man, Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, who predated Manny Pacquiao in the world boxing hall of fame, was knocked out by lung cancer. He was a chain smoker. It is no exaggeration to say that smoking is a Macho Killer. Mercifully I quit smoking before the addiction could inflict any lasting damage on me. I can’t say as much about some of my friends and relatives. An inlaw has a severe case of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) which he attributes to years of smoking. His elder brother died a couple of years ago from emphysema, with cigarettes suspected as the culprit. A lawyer friend managed to quit smoking, but it was too late. He died of lung cancer a few months after taking his last puff. I could rattle off the names of celebrities who succumbed to lung cancer and other respiratory ailments caused by smoking, but that won’t necessarily con-

vince people to kick the habit. The most common excuse is that quitting is not easy or that it’s too late to stop. There has to be a very persuasive, hard-to-resist reason to stop smoking. My motivation was provided by my children. I had four growing kids for whom I initiated a physical fitness regimen, as an alternative to the temptation of drug use. The tactic worked. Then one day, my eldest son chided me: “Papa, you’re exercising everyday but you’re smoking. Do you know that it’s bad for your health?” The next day, I stopped. Cold turkey. None of my children learned to smoke or do drugs and I haven’t touched a stick for almost 40 years. For different folks, different reasons for kicking the habit can work. According Vital Strategies, the Department of Health reported that over a million Filipinos quit smoking from 2009 to 2015 – down from 17 million to 15.9 million – apparently due to the graphic warning on cigarette packs and the higher taxes on tobacco products. But that’s still nearly 16% of the population who are at risk, not to mention those endangered by second-hand smoke. Clearly, there is a need for more aggressive anti-smoking action. This should include an executive order, said to be awaiting the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte, that will ban smoking in public places and will add more teeth to Republic Act 9211.

RA 9211 – “An Act Regulating the Packaging, Use, Sales, Distribution and Advertisements of Tobacco Products” - is actually a “fence-sitter” law because, while it purports to “promote a healthful environment and protect the citizens from the hazards of tobacco smoke,” the law also provides that “the interests of tobacco farmers, growers, workers and stakeholders are not adversely compromised.” Stake holders include Big Tobacco. Said Vital Strategies President and CEO Jose Luis Castro, “Public health is best served when a comprehensive set of tobacco control policies are enacted to deter youth from initiating smoking, encourage current smokers to quit, and protect the health of non-smokers who make up the majority of the population.” Castro added: “Graphic health warnings and the single, unified rate of tax on cigarettes have been positive steps forward, as have regional smoking bans, but a national smoke-free policy and – critically – higher tobacco taxes would help to deliver real reductions in smoking prevalence.” If I might suggest: Also needed is a sustained and aggressive anti-smoking information campaign on both traditional media and social media, like the one successfully mounted in the US. As a result, in America, smokers are regarded as virtual pariahs. I also think special attention should be given to second-hand smoke because it poses a more insidious hazard due to the false impression that being a nonsmoker necessarily spares one from the threat. In this regard, I think excerpts from the paper of

affront to humanity.” “It had a big impact on me. It was a horrible, horrible thing. I’ve been watching it and it doesn’t get any worse than that,” he continued. “My attitude to Syria and Assad has changed very much. You are now talking about a whole different level. What happened yesterday is unacceptable to me.” Trump said Assad had crossed not only the “red line,” but “many lines.” And on Friday, he ordered the attack. What changed? He had seen thousand being gassed by Assad in 2013. He wasn’t moved then? He wasn’t changed then? Yes, he was not yet president then, but he did not need any classified intelligence reports to see the horrific images that everyone in the world saw four years ago. Trump had also seen the many babies being killed as many Syrian families tried to escape from the war zone in Syria, which prompted the nations of the world to be in agreement to accept Syrian refugees for humanitarian reasons. And yet during the presidential campaign, Trump demonized the Syrian refugees, instilling fear among the American people against these people and saying the U.S. should end the Syrian refugee program to protect the American people from terrorists using the Syrian refugee program. Trump ran on the campaign promise of banning Muslims, and even made it his priority to fulfill this by signing an executive order to ban Syrian refugees indefinitely. But, what changed? And moving forward, how would this epiphany translate to Trump’s foreign policy? What will be his long-term strategy in Syria and in the Syrian refugee crisis? The world is watching. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Dr. Garcia can be very enlightening: “Every week in my clinic I see people harmed by secondhand smoke especially among infants, children and members of their household. The science is clear – second-hand smoke can cause a range of harms including respiratory illness, impaired lung function, middle ear disease in children and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, while in adults it can cause lung cancer, stroke, and asthma attacks and delivery of low birth weight infants among pregnant women. “We call it the invisible killer, because the harm isn’t just in the smoke you can see and smell - nearly 85% of tobacco smoke is invisible and odorless, but causes just as much harm. “Even brief exposure causes harm. Just 30 minutes of secondhand smoke increases risk of a heart attack. The national Global Adult Tobacco Survey showed that millions suffer exposure every month: 55% of all Filipinos report breathing second-hand smoke recently on public transport and 33% in restaurants, and 77% who work in a place with no formal anti-smoking policy are routinely breathing in this hazardous cloud of dozens of toxic chemicals.” Did I say that the anti-smoking campaign has been successful in the US? Read this Google post and weep. Big Tobacco has simply shifted its focus to the Third World: “U.S. tobacco companies have a long history of deceit, deception and duplicity in their relentless pursuit of profit. These companies have hooked generations

of American smokers using the tools of manipulative advertising, disinformation campaigns refuting the health consequences of smoking, and political lobbying. In the process, they have grown into enormous multinational conglomerates. In recent years, as smoking has declined in the United States, they have begun to look elsewhere for growth. “While cigarette sales fell by 4.5 percent in North America between 1990 and 1995, they increased by 5.6 percent in Eastern Europe and 8 percent in the Asia-Pacific region. By the turn of the century, per capita consumption in developing countries will be greater than that of developed countries, says the World Health Organization (WHO)…Multinational cigarette companies are flooding developing countries with ads that say smoking is exciting, glamorous and Western. The situation is only going to get worse as more women and children start smoking.” I suggest that Vital Strategies should borrow the anti-smoking TV commercial in the US featuring a former Marlboro Man, Wayne McLaren, who died of lung cancer at age 51. After quitting his modeling assignment with Marlboro, he appeared in the anti-smoking campaign until his death. Said McLaren, in an interview with the Los Angeles Times: “I’ve spent the last month of my life in an incubator and I’m telling you, it’s just not worth it.” Vital Industries could name the TV commercial, The Macho Killers. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

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2

Lessons from stars’ biggest trials and ‘darkest moments’ by dolly

ann Carvajal Inquirer.net

We all have crosses to bear. Remember: It isn’t the load that weighs you down, but how you carry it. even celebrities who lead such charmed lives have their share of “Calvary.” In observance of Holy Tuesday, I asked some of them about the biggest trials they’ve had to endure. Coco Martin: Name it, I’ve been through it all. It was a long, hard climb. I did odd jobs and even became an OFW. Fame didn’t come easy. I struggled in indie films before I made it to the mainstream. With the Lord’s guidance, my lola’s support and because of my devotion to the Nazareno, I was able to overcome all the obstacles. Rita Avila: What can be darker than losing a 3-week-old son? I rose by holding on to my faith and trusting in God during that very difficult time. I [emerged from that dark period] through the love and understanding of my husband and friends. I rose by accepting to live with a broken part of me. But I

can live even if I’m broken. Cesar Montano: When my son Angelo committed suicide, there were so many unanswered questions. To make matters worse, I was in Bohol when it happened. I flew back to Manila immediately. That was the loneliest plane trip ever. Nothing could be more painful than a parent burying his or her child. I consoled myself with the thought that I now have my own personal angel up there. James Yap: When I was just beginning my basketball career in Manila, I was disoriented and homesick. I wanted to go back home to Negros, but I didn’t have enough money for the fare. I had to commute daily to our team’s practice, and our meals were budgeted. I couldn’t afford to buy my dream rubber shoes. All my sacrifices have paid off. My faith in God, my family’s support and my fervent dream to become a great professional cager saw me through. Andi Eigenmann: When I was judged by everyone during

the time that the identity of my daughter ellie’s father was being talked about … I was lucky enough to have the support of my loved ones. Those who really knew me behind the cameras made me realize how important it was not to let go of myself and, knowing the truth, not let others dictate [what I needed to do]. Zanjoe Marudo: When I was 16 years old, my Dad migrated to the United States. It was tough adjusting, because I was used to having him around. Dad always picked me up after school and used to watch my basketball games. But he often called me up to make his presence felt. That experience taught me how to be strong and independent. Benjamin Alves: Back in 2013, I found out that my mom had a brain tumor that needed to be removed immediately. Our whole family leaned on Him for strength, and that trial actually brought us closer together. God truly does answer prayers. My mom is alive and well, even after such a difficult battle.

Coco Martin

Andi Eigenmann

Benjamin Alves

james Yap

Rita Avila

Zanjoe Marudo

Awra: From Internet sensation to certified star Iza Calzado gets emotional in Osaka by kane

errol Choa Philstar.com

AWRA Briguela’s journey to stardom saw its peak Sunday night, April 9 when he was named the first-ever grand winner of the top-rating musical-variety program “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids” after his epic impersonation of rapper Nicki Minaj. The so-called Breakout Child Star, who shot to Internet fame with his signature “awra” facial expression, has dabbled in acting in both TV and film. But it was his stint in “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids” that got him a legion of admirers as the show gave him an opportunity to flaunt his natural flair for performing and entertaining.

Awra transforms into Nicki Minaj.

by Maridol

rañoa-BisMark Philstar.com

I do. He taught me to do things with authenticity and passion. I ALMOST of all of us worship can’t say I’m doing it all the time, our parents. Iza Calzado proves but I’m trying my best, even with she is no exception when she my relationship (to British-Filipino acknowledged their presence businessman Ben Wintle),” she told in Osaka, where film fest her kababayan. jurors recently named her Best Now that she is playing the Performer for the psychological antagonist Grace Noble in the thriller “Bliss” (rated R-18 by the primetime serye, “A Love to Last,” Movie and Television Review and Iza has more reasons to plunge Classification Board). into a role with all the fire and Iza felt the tears flowing down passion she can muster. As the Awra Briguela wins P1M, a house and lot and a trip for four to Jeju Island, South Korea. her cheeks when a Filipina writer third wheel in the story, Iza’s based in Japan asked her questions character does everything to trip for four to Jeju Island, South After his impersonation about her late father, directordestroy a beautiful relationship Korea. of Nicki, Mr. Pure energy Gary choreographer Lito Calzado. (between Anton and Andeng, the He garnered a total score of Valenciano, one of the show’s How has he influenced her characters of Ian Veneracion and 95.41 percent from the combined jurors, called him a superstar. Bea Alonzo, respectively). “All I can say is, I hope that as the jurors’ scores and public text votes, career? What has he imparted to her? Judging by the netizens’ angry besting his seven co-performers show business’ newest superstar, The mere mention of her dad’s remarks, she is succeeding so far. AC Bonifacio, Alonzo Muhlach, you don’t forget where you came name at a time and place she least Viewers have been wanting to see elha Nympha, Justin Alva, Lyca from because a lot of people there expected it let loose a flood of more of Grace lately. And Iza is Gairanod, Sam Shoaf and Xia look up to you and get inspiration emotions in the Kapamilya actress. tickled pink. Vigor. from you. I hope and pray that you “I can’t believe somebody’s ABS-CBN is happy, too. That The two-night grand keep it up. If you do that, that will be asking me about my dad there,” is why it decided to bring Grace showdown did not only the result, whatever stage you step recalled Iza. back on screen. feature the performers’ cute on,” he said. She apologized to the “It’s quite exciting because His co-jurors, Megastar Sharon transformations but also a rare the challenge is to shake that performance from the three jurors foreigners around her for letting Cuneta and singer-songwriter relationship without being too with their kids Frankie Pangilinan, her emotions get the better of Ogie Alcasid, also took a moment to commend Awra’s performance, Leila Alcasid and Kiana Valenciano her. It dawned on Iza that her late evil,” shared Iza. parents used to go to Osaka for She does not mind playing a who sang OPM hits “I-Swing Mo as well as his character. business (their placement agency mom when she herself has yet to Ako,” “Sumayaw, Sumunod” and Sharon said, “Your sent entertainers in Japan). Iza be one in real life. “Mahal na Mahal Ko Siya.” performance was so great. You herself visited the city as a child. “I accepted the role. And it’s Premier love team Kathryn give me and our viewers so much It also dawned on her that just a role. It doesn’t define who joy every week. Tonight, you gave Bernardo and Daniel Padilla also they were right there, applauding you are as a human being. I just delighted viewers with their it all.” performance of “Can’t Help Falling her as she went on stage minutes want to work. There are things “You were so great. All I after she recovered from shock that will not restrict me from in Love.” want to say to you is, many and gave her victory speech. doing a project. I’ll do it if I like the Awra’s victory in “Your Face people don’t know how you are “My father always taught me role, and the cast is good.” Sounds Familiar Kids” is bound backstage and off-cam. You are to put my heart into everything Still, she feels there is more to give his already shining star a a really kind and humble person. boost. At just 14, he has already Thank you that I met you that shown potential to be the way. Congratulations, well done,” country’s next biggest entertainer, shared Ogie. and Kapamilya fans will surely see As the grand winner, Awra more of him. won P1M, a house and lot, and a

Kara lives up to manager Annabelle’s challenge ONLY when Kara Mitzki promised to “behave,” do her level best and follow the (pieces of ) advice dished out to her did she got the nod of Annabelle Rama to manage her. “Tita Annabelle turned me down the first time I applied to her,” revealed Kara during her concert 56K with Kara & Khel with Michael “Khel” Pangilinan

last Saturday night at the Music Museum. “I am impressed with Kara,” admitted Annabelle who quit in managing stars aside from her own children, “kaya pumayag akong mag-manage uli.” Kara opened her concert with lively renditions of Dance Again by J.Lo, Crush by Jennifer Paige and Insensitive by Jann

Iza Calzado

work to be done. She pushed back her plans to return to theater for next year, because no one knows until when “A Love to Last” will, yes, last. One thing is sure. Iza will continue to act, even when she ties the knot. She sees herself shuttling from the Philippines to anywhere in the world so she can continue her acting career. After all, Ben, her fiancé, has always been supportive of her career ever since they started their relationship five years ago. He was with her in Osaka. He lets Iza watch teleseryes even if he cannot understand the dialogue. But marriage can wait. Iza sees herself tying the knot first before having children of her own “two to three years from now.” In the meantime, she is enjoying her career and cannot wait for more.

Ian Veneracion takes inspiration from Charo Santos’‘journey’

BeFORe Holy Week, “A Love to Last” star and sportsman Ian Arden, before doing a Beauty Veneracion shared on Instagram and the Beast duet with Duncan his recommendation for a summer Ramos. read. The venue was jam-packed “Inspiring!” the actor said of by supporters led by Annabelle Charo Santos-Concio’s new book, Rama and husband eddie “My Journey: The Story of an Gutierrez, former Cebu Mayor Unexpected Leader.” Mike Rama, Charlie Gonzales, Using her personal journey as Isabelle Duterte and Jobert guileless country lass to beauty Sucaldito (Michael’s manager). queen, from award-winning actress (Philstar.com) to one of the most powerful women in Philippine media, Santos-Concio merges memoir with leadership advice. How does she do this? By relating, with endearing honesty, the stories throughout her life that called for a certain self-awareness, made her realize her failings, and imbued her with a sense of purpose. “My Journey: The Story of an Unexpected Leader” spans Santos-Concio’s childhood up to her retirement as ABS-CBN’s first woman president. Readers are given a peek into her years as a sheltered doctor’s daughter on the island of Calapan, Mindoro, where her father first taught her how to stand up to thugs; her first brush with high society, wearing a dress painstakingly assembled by her mother; the compromises she had to make—and break—when Kara is ecstatic about the unexpected success of her first concert, 56K with Kara and Khel, she entered showbiz, and more held at Music Museum last Saturday, April 8. personal experiences which gave

Actor Ian Veneracion recommending Charo Santos-Concio’s new book.

her invaluable lessons in strength and grace. Television and movie fans of all kinds—be they curious about the stars, behind-thescenes production, or business side—will find a treasure trove of information in “My Journey: The Story of an Unexpected Leader.” As one of the few individuals who successfully made the transition from movie actress to producer to television executive (and made the loop to movie actress again), Santos-Concio provides industry anecdotes that are both entertaining and honest. Part biography, part selfhelp, this book is unique in its take on leadership. Santos-

Concio treats the subject with a nurturing tone—a far cry from the aggressive stance that many believe is the defining quality of leadership. She is not afraid to admit her fears and foibles, and reassures the reader that there is power during times of uncertainty and self-doubt. While it is a treat to be given a firsthand look at the ins and outs of the lives of celebrities, equal value should be given to the lessons learned during their most vulnerable times. Santos-Concio goes the extra mile in sharing these moments with the reader, and turns them into tips that the reader can apply to his or her own life. (Deni Rose M. AfinidadBernardo/Philstar.com)

How Zumba changed Regine Tolentino’s attitude toward dancing and fitness by iza igLesias ManilaTimes.net

ActRESS and fitness specialist Regine tolentino has been very visible on the GMA Network morning show “Unang Hirit” as segment host and as a dancing diva of showbiz for many years. But these days, she is often seen at different sports complexes, gyms, corporate events, and even barangay villages, where she holds Zumba sessions as a certified instructor of five years. Now tagged the “Zumba Queen of the philippines,” the former that’s Entertainment member generously shared how the dance-based workout changed her attitude towards fitness. “I’ve been a licensed instructor for almost five years now and I’ve been in love with Zumba for the past eight years. I was just a student first. “I was inspired to try it out by all the good vibes and the good stuff I’ve heard about it from others. And also because I know the positive results of dancing, and being fit. Your metabolism and stamina improves, but you also feel like a different person when you’re on the floor because you’re just sweating it away and making new friends.” the feeling of just letting it go and having fun with those around her are what drew tolentino all the more to Zumba. “You feel like a diva when you’re dancing because you’re letting out who you are,” she reiterated. “It is something that changed my life because before, I would just dance to stay fit and be in shape, but now I do it first of all to have fun, and to keep myself strong and motivated and inspired,” the celebrity averred. tolentino swears there is no competition going on when among celebrities are into Zumba. In fact, she is happy the number of licensed instructors and fans of the workout are growing, among them Joshua and Jason Zamora, Saicy Aguila, Sheryl cruz, Gem Ramos, Joy cancio, Mel Feliciano, Kramer and Joseph of Streetboys, and Lyn tamayo. “I think there are many Zumba queens in the philippines. It’s because when you dance, you really feel like a queen. I am humbled by that title, however, and I share that crown with everybody who dances with me. You know, Zumba sets you free; it’s an expression of who you are. Now because of it, I get to travel all around the world to paris, New York, Japan, and Dubai and get to meet with all the Filipinos there,” she said. Continued on Page 6

april 14-20, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

3

The Agimat King at 90 by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

ExcEpt for former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. who couldn’t make it due to unavoidable circumstances, the celebrator’s loved ones led by daughter Andrea “Andeng” BautistaYnares (wife of Antipolo city Mayor Jun-Jun Ynares) were all accounted for when former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr. celebrated his 90th birthday last March 8 with a dinner at the Revilla mansion in Imus, cavite. From the wheelchair to which he has been confined by a stroke several years ago, alternately cared for by four nurses 24/7, the legendary amulet-gifted action superstar broke into a weak smile and teared up when his family (children, grandchildren and in-laws) sang songs to him, punctuating the end of each song with “We love you!” Bong made his presence felt via a video greeting complete with a song. Former pres./Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada, one of the honored guests who is marking his 80th birthday on April 19, praised Ramon for being the only survivor of the Sampaguita Generation. Oops!!! there are also Sampaguita discoveries Rudy Francisco (into his early 90s) and Eddie Garcia who is believed to be three years older than Ramon but who loves to “confuse” people by joking that he’s much older than 93. From a 2003 Star story titled “Ang Alamat ni Agimat: He’s a legend” in his own right and it’s not only because of his agimat (amulet)

to which his fans attribute his success as an actor and his successful conquest of the Senate. Why, many people believe that his agimat has been working wonders in the man’s love life which can only be described as “very fruitful, indeed,” blessed as he is with, according to unconfirmed reports, about 80 children. (And if I may add, with heaven knows how many women.) “Actually,” clarified Andeng, “we are only 49 children, ‘yung duly accounted for and documented.” All the children are supported by Ramon, according to Andeng whose nickname must have been presumably inspired by that of Ramon’s mom whom he called NanayAndeng who, after her husband’s death, singlehandedly raised her 10 children, with Ramon as the youngest, “Our dad’s constant reminder to all of us is to finish studies because, he said, education is the best gift that he could give us.” In that old Star interview, Ramon was asked if he really had an agimat. With an enigmatic smile, he confirmed, “Yes, I have. It was given to me by a relative of Nardong putik.” (Also a caviteño, Nardong putik, whose real name was Leonardo Manecio, was played by Ramon in a movie that he himself produced in 1972 and it made so much money that sustained Ramon’s own Imus productions which made mostly true stories that earned him the title Father of true-Life Movies.). to whom will Ramon bequeath his agimat? Had anybody asked Ramon

With grandson Bryan, Bacoor Mayor/daughter-in-law Lani Mercado-Revilla; and daughters Gianna, Loudette and Inah

talk show-cum-reunion was being staged. Yayo Aguila, another good friend, emerged from the back stage and sang a song that made Lani emotional. that kicked off the talk show-themed birthday aptly called her “Road to Gold.” During the Q&A, Lani was asked about her plans for Bacoor. But the question that really floored Lani was where she got the strength as she talked her multiple roles as mayor, mother, grandmother (Mamita), not to mention dealing with a husband (former Bong Revilla) who is in detention. “I get my strength from my family, my children, my grandchildren and most specially from my husband who, despite the situation, continuously gives me strength and moral support,” Lani said, almost choking. “I also get strength from the people of the city of Bacoor, my constituents who continue to trust and support me.” What about her love life? (He and Bong were given the hashtag LaBong. “Napaka-init pa rin,” she gamely answered. “Pag magkasama kami walang pwedeng mang-istorbo.” In AVp, Lani’s friends Lorna tolentino, tirso cruz III and his wife Lyn Ynchausti, princess punzalan, congressman Alfred Vargas and Gary Valenciano wished her good luck and good health. the birthday surprise started a month-long celebrations marked by special activities including Alagang Ate Lani Feeding programs and medical missions. this is in line with Lani’s battlecry: Former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr. with (back row) son-in-law Antipolo City Mayor Jun-Jun Ynares and former Pres./Manila Mayor Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada; and (from row, from left) son-in-law former Sen. Bobby Jaworski and daughter Andrea ‘Andeng’ Bautista-Ynares (Jun-Jun’s wife) ONE tEAM, ONELOVE, ONE BAcOOR! with daughters Cassandra and Via Ynares. during his birthday, I’m sure he would have readily told who. (Do we see Bong smiling?). Bacoor Mayor Lani’s request: omit gifts, help fire victims As she turns 49 on, April 13, Bacoor, cavite Mayor Lani Mercado is requesting her well-wishers not to give her gifts and instead donate clothes, food, blankets, medicines and other goodies to the more than 2,500 victims of the fire that hit Barangay Maliksi last April 5. Rendered homeless, the victims are temporarily housed at the Maliksi Elementary School. Donations may be delivered to the cSWD at the lobby of the Bacoor city Hall. A few days ago when Lani was about to give her regular flag ceremony speech, she was interrupted by good friend Manilyn Reynes via Video tape Recorder (VtR), and was asked to sit down and relax while the stage was transformed into a mini talk show set. to Lani’s surprise, a special

april 14-20, 2017

4 Join this year’s new Ambassadors Tour to PH

and experience the best of Manila and Davao

www.asianjournal.com

THe highly popular tourism program that drew hundreds of balikbayans and Filipino-Americans to revisit their homeland is back. This year, the new Ambassadors’ Tour to the Philippines is featuring new and exciting destinations meant to further showcase the country’s tourism gems. Scheduled for July 11 to 16, 2017, this year’s Tour will not only reacquaint participants from all over the United States to the enduring charms of Manila but will also provide the opportunity to visit and explore the southern city of Davao. Touted as the cleanest and the safest city in the Philippines, Davao City is home to the country’s current leader, President Rodrigo Duterte. Davao boasts of outstanding recreational areas like museums, nature parks, fantastic beaches and zoos, in addition to adventure activities like scuba diving, island hopping, wake boarding, white water rafting. Participants to this year’s tour can look forward to exciting destinations and highlights, most important of which is the opportunity to have an audience with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in addition to a dinner to be hosted by no less than Davao City Mayor Sara “Inday” Duterte. The very affordable and irresistible package price for the 6 days/5 nights Manila and Davao tour is as follows: Following is the full itinerary of the 6-day tour covering both Manila and Davao: NET RATE PER PERSON IN USD PACKAGe COST

MARCO POLO DAVAO (5*)

PARK INN BY RADISSON (4*)

SeDA ABReeZA (4*)

7Days/6Nights Package (July 10-16) SGL

$1,240.00

6Days/5Nights Package (July 11-16) $1,090.00

TWN

$865.00

$790.00

TRPL

$852.00

$785.00 $1,065.00

SGL

$1,215.00

TWN

$855.00

$780.00

TRPL

$842.00

$775.00

SGL

$1,200.00

$1,050.00

TWN

$845.00

$770.00

TWN

$827.00

$760.00

INCLUSIONS: • Airport transfers in Manila and Davao with meet and greet assistance by Department of Tourism and Rajah Tours Coordinators • 2/1 Nights stay at Nobu Hotel or Hyatt City of Dreams for the 1st call in Manila • 3 Nights stay at choice hotel in Davao City • 1 Night stay at Makati Shangri-la Hotel for the 2nd call in Manila • Meals as stated in the itinerary • Tours as stated in the itinerary • Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour • Services of an english-speaking and DOT accredited guide throughout the duration of tour EXCLUSIONS: • International air fare • Domestic air fare • Meals not specified above • Personal expense throughout the stay Participants coming from Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and other parts of the United States will have various airfare options and can choose to fly to the Philippines with any of the Tour’s airline partners, among them Philippine Airlines, and China Airlines, with round trip ticket priced as low as $1,795.00

DAY 1: JULY 10, 2017 (Monday) • early morning arrival in Manila • Welcome reception by the Department of Tourism • Transfer to hotel/check-in • Assembly for Malacanang Tour • Depart hotel • Proceed for Wreath Laying Ceremony at Rizal Park • Running tour of Intramuros • Proceed to Malacanang Museum Tour with lunch • Return to hotel • Welcome dinner hosted by Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) • Overnight stay at the hotel

EMPLOYMENT

DAY 2: JULY 11, 2017 (Tuesday) • Breakfast at the hotel • Check-out • Transfer to Domestic Airport • Leave for Davao • Arrive in Davao International Airport • Welcome reception at Davao International Airport by the Dept. of Tourism • Lunch at local restaurant • Afternoon at Malagos Resort and Philippine eagle Center Tour • Return to hotel • Overnight stay at the Hotel DAY 3: JULY 12, 2017 (Wednesday) • Breakfast at hotel • Audience with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte • Lunch at local restaurant • Afternoon Davao City Tour • Visit the Crocodile Park for reptilian adventures. Get to know “Pangil” the 2nd largest crocodile in captivity and “Buloy” the friendly 15ft python. Just nearby is the Tribung K’Mindanawan where it showcases our rich cultural heritage and replicas of the different tribal houses in the region. Amaze on the vast collections of animal skeleton at the Bone Museum. Sample on the local fruits and bountiful harvest of Davao such as the pomelo, mangosteen, marang or take your first whiff of the Durian at the fruit market. Otherwise settle for the candies at the Durian Candy Factory or the Durian Flavoured Cappuccino. • A scenic view of Davao from the top of the Shrine hill at the Holy Infant Jesus or at the Jack’s Ridge. Visit the Museo Dabawenyo where it houses the rich collection of Davao’s History displayed in their galleries. Bargain for some souvenirs at the Aldevinco Souvenir Shops. After the tour, we shall transfer you back to your hotel. • Return to hotel • Overnight stay at the hotel DAY 4: JULY 13, 2017 (Thursday) • Breakfast at hotel • Assembly at hotel lobby • Depart for Samal Island with Lunch • Pick up from hotel. Transfers from hotel to Sta Ana Wharf. Boat ride to Samal Island passing through Pearl Farm, Malipano Island, Wishing Island, Coral Garden, Angel’s Cove and Isla Reta. Picnic lunch will be served at the Isla Reta. Free time on the beach. Boat ride back to mainland Davao and transfers to hotel. • Dinner hosted by Mayor Sara “Inday”Duterte • Overnight stay at the hotel DAY 5: JULY 14, 2017 (Friday) • Breakfast at hotel • Check-out • Transfer to airport • Depart for Manila • Arrive Manila • Transfer/Check-in at the hotel • Optional activity in the afternoon

Manny V. Ilagan is a Tourism Specialist with over 23 years professional experience in the overseas tourism and travel industry. He is currently the Director for Business Development and Marketing of GTT International/Majestic Vacations, one of the biggest airlines consolidators in the United States, and wholesaler of package tours worldwide. He also provides travel consultancy services to some of the biggest wholesalers and tour operators in the country as well as to some airline companies. He is the former Tourism Director-OIC of the Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles, where he worked for over two decades. As a writer, he has written numerous articles about travel and tourism, which have been published in various Filipino-American newspapers in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Las Vegas and New York, and other Manila-based newspapers as well. For comments or questions, you may reach him at manilagan@gmail.com.

EMPLOYMENT

SERVICES

HOME AGENCY

• PASAYA. PASARAP & PAGANDA Package• Packages to distress and pamper yourself • Dinner hosted by Western Union • Overnight stay at the hotel DAY 6: JULY 15, 2017 (Saturday) • Breakfast at hotel • Check-out • Transfer to airport • Depart for homebound journey The Ambassadors’ Tour is a joint project of all Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the US, namely: Agana, Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, Saipan, San Francisco, and Washington D.C., in cooperation with the Philippine Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board. Seats are fast filling up, so don’t waste any time. Register now and be part of this year’s 11th Ambassadors Tour to the Philippines and experience the best of Manila and Davao. For more information and to register, contact Majestic Vacations by sending email to: ambassadorstour@majestic-vacations.com or call tel. numbers: (213) 251-9401 or 1-800-423-4480 and ask for Angie or Jeanet; the Philippine Department of Tourism at: (213) 487-4525 and the Philippine Consulate General at (213) 639-0980. ***

april 14-20, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA

5

Two women, a boy and the jellyfish “…The boy looked at him nonplussed, shrugged his shoulders and went back to throwing one more jellyfish back to the water, and told him, “Made a difference to that one …”

LOU’S story is always worth retelling. Lou Xiaoying is one remarkable Chinese woman who is a beacon of light, a ray of hope and a surge of warmth in a world that has grown dark and cold. I wrote about Lou a few years back to shine a light on the life of a woman, who despite humble circumstances, managed to save the lives of babies salvaged from the trash heap, apparently discarded by women in compliance with China’s draconian one-child policy to curb its population growth. Contrast Lou’s life with that of a 25 year-old New Jersey woman who claims she is not ready for her pregnancy, filmed her own abortion, with full make-up, lights and gazing at the camera and exclaiming with joy at the end of the procedure purportedly to “inspire” and show women that abortion is a positive experience. She even writes about it in one publication. Notice I refuse to give a shout out to her name or the publication’s name. Some bask in infamy and one can show displeasure by refusing to give a shout out. The woman who is a wannabe actress of low-budget slasher horror movies which slaughter children works as an abortion counselor. She says, “I feel in awe of the fact that I can make a baby. I can make a life…” Sadly, it was a life that she chose to end coldly. The delusional woman, as if reading from a script even says at the end of the murderous procedure, “Yay, Cool! I feel good.” She decides to keep a sonogram of the baby as a memento. Did she even bother to ask the father of the child? Even more disturbing is the distinct possibility that she may have become pregnant to create a prop so she can pull this contemptible youtube stunt and become an internet sensation. If she did, this makes it all the more egregious and revolting. This stunt she pulled at the expense of an innocent life to grab her few minutes of dubious fame cries out for justice and she will be held to account. The laws of karma are irrevocable, sometimes swift, sometimes slow, but without bone marrow-deep repentance, comes without fail in due season. There is still hope for humanity.

The response had been worldwide revulsion and condemnation at the celebratory tone of her scripted abortion. At the very least, women who see abortion as a solution to a complex problem do so in a somber, quiet way, head bowed down, away from the limelight. What has women’s liberation come to these days? Shallow, soulless creatures who call themselves women walk the earth. Fortunately, for every one of this kind of vile woman, there are thousands who shun the limelight and work quietly in the trenches fighting the evil of abortion, women I know like Gerri and Anna Maria and members of the Shield of Roses who have been quietly pounding the pavement, persuading women to consider adoption instead and knocking unceasingly on heaven’s doors with prayer and fasting to help in the struggle against the seemingly prevailing culture of death and darkness. But let’s get back to Lou. Her story is like a laser light and her story is worth repeating. She lived in the rural countryside in Eastern Zhejiang province. Picture her home. It is a humble hovel, its small yard littered with debris and recyclables. A little boy of 7 plays in the yard. Lou lived in that home with her husband Lin until he passed away 20 years ago. When I first wrote about Lou in 2012, she was 88 years old and lay languishing of kidney failure in a hospital. Despite pain and impending death, Lou looks beautiful in repose. Her eyes sparkle with joy. A calm peacefulness is etched in her face. If she is still alive, she would be about 93 years old. It has been 5 years and an internet search again show no updates about Lou. At her age and condition, no news is good news. Lou and her husband made a living scavenging the village trash for recyclables. It was a tough, backbreaking way of life trudging through the streets and sifting through other people’s often filthy and smelly discards. Over the years, they picked

Health@Heart

Sleep less and get fat

risk of getting obese; five hours, 50 percent; and for those who sleep less than four hours a day, 73 PhiliP S. ChuA, percent, compared to those who Md, FACS, FPCS sleep eight to nine hours a day. “It is now critical to determine AN important study conducted the importance of lack of sufficient at the Eastern Virginia Medical sleep during the early formative School in Norfolk, Virginia showed years in putting our youth on that people who sleep less tend a trajectory toward obesity ... a to weigh heavier than those who trajectory that could be altered if sleep more. sleep loss is indeed playing a role in The clinical investigation, this epidemic,” Turek’s editorial said. which included 1,000 subjects, The alarming rise in obesity, reported that “total sleep time decreased as the body mass index especially among children — a subject we have written about in (a measure of weight based on this column the past several years height) increased.” — is now an epidemic in many Whether this means that developed countries, especially in heavier individuals tend to sleep the United States, where “superless, and vice versa, or having sizing” of hamburgers, French enough sleep makes it easier for fries, high-calorie, high-sugar people to control and maintain their normal weight, was not clear. beverages, and other high-carbojunk-food items, have dominated The authors of this study the fast food chains. As “admirers warn that “this does not establish and followers” of trends in food a cause-and-effect relationship and fashion in the United States, between restricted sleep and Filipinos are now facing the same obesity (but) future investigations overweight and obesity dilemma in demonstrating success in weight the Philippines. loss via extensions of sleep would What is alarming is not the help greatly to establish such a negative aesthetic effect of relationship.” “We’ve put so much emphasis obesity or of being overweight, but their multitude of dangerous on diet and exercise that we’ve implications on the health failed to recognize the value and longevity of the victims. of good sleep,” said Fred Turek, Insufficient sleep has been shown a physician at Northwestern University in Chicago, who wrote a in other previous studies to related editorial in a recent issue of lead to a “cascade of metabolic, cardiovascular, and general the Archives of Internal Medicine, medical disorders,” but the lay where the study was published. public has somehow not made Some earlier researches have shown sleep deprivation to cause a the connection yet. Hopefully, this decline in an appetite-suppressing recent study will help convince protein hormone called leptin, and people that enough sleep (minimum of eight hours a day, an increase in another hormone which does not have adverse (ghrelin) that causes a craving for effects or possible complications food. In addition, neuropeptides anyway) is essential, not only in in the brain governing sleep and weight control, but in maintaining obesity appear to overlap. our health and well-being, and in In another study involving more than 8,000 adults, researchers warding off illnesses in general. As we have stated before, found that those who sleep only obesity increases the risk, not only six hours a day had a 23 percent

up 30 abandoned babies from the trash heap. Of the 30 foundlings they saved, the couple kept 4 babies to raise themselves and the rest, they gave away to friends and relatives. They have one biological child, a woman, who is now past 50 years old. When Lou was 82 and already a widow, she saved one more baby from the trash. She said, “Even though I was already getting old I could not simply ignore the baby and leave him to die in the trash. He looked so sweet and so needy. I had to take him home with me … My older children all help look after Zhang Qilin … I named him after the Chinese word for rare and precious.” Lou’s story is riveting for its simple, unquestioning reverence for life despite living in stark poverty. She didn’t start out wanting to rescue foundlings but in 1982, her heart was touched when she found the first child, a baby girl, who was lying helpless and abandoned amongst the trash. “Watching her grow and become stronger gave us such happiness and I realized I had a real love of caring for children … These children need love and care. They are all precious human lives. I do not understand how people can leave such a vulnerable baby on the streets. I realized if we had strength enough to collect garbage how could we not recycle something as important as human lives?” Since 1978, the Chinese communist government has enforced, with few exceptions, its one-child policy. Families are prevented from having more than one child under pain of penalty. Those who abide by the rule are given bonuses and incentives. Boys are preferred in Chinese culture so that couples who want a son feel compelled to throw away infant girls. It is claimed that the policy prevented the birth of 400 million babies. Lou’s life story bears resemblance to the story of the little boy and the jellyfish. Continued on Page 6

for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, but also for cancer. Those with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) — who snore and do not breathe for a long time, depriving themselves and their organs of oxygen — do not sleep well, waking up tired and without energy, are candidates for a Sleep Study. Sleep apnea also raises the risk for cardiovascular and metabolic illnesses and cancer. Once the diagnosis of OSA is confirmed by the Sleep Study, the standard of care, the best treatment today, is the use of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) during bedtime. This stops snoring, allows the person to sleep better and longer, waking up refreshed and full of energy — recharged! The CPAP also minimizes heart attack and sudden death during sleep. The use of the CPAP is a lot more comfortable than people think. Hundreds of millions are on CPAP therapy. Adequate quality sleep is indeed vital. However, I would like to state that adequate sleep is only onefifth of the total equation for a healthier, happier, more productive, and longer life. The other four are (1) a healthy diet that is high-fiber, high-grain, low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-carbohydrate, low-salt; (2) daily exercises; (3) stress management and relaxation; and (4) abstinence from tobacco and strict moderation in alcohol intake. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

Calendar of Events across

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS APRIL 14

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

APRIL 15

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

APRIL 20

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

APRIL 21

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

A P R I L 23

Afternoon of bowling and networking with Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACC-GLA) proudly presents an “afternoon of bowling fun and networking” on Sunday, April 23 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Matador Bowling Lanes at 9118 Balboa Blvd., Northridge, CA 91325. Enjoy the Sunday afternoon with fun, laughter and meet new friends. Please RSVP to Connie Mapue, secretary of FACC-GLA at (323) 337-7714. Fee for bowlers, $25 / person (FACCGLA members); $30/person for non-members. $15 / person for non bowlers

A P R I L 29

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

APRIL 30

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

M AY 6

Philippine Consulate Outreach Mission in Carson, CA The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles will have an outreach mission in Carson, California on Saturday, May 6 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be held at the Carson Community Center Rm. 107 ABC at 801 E. Carson St., Carson, CA 90746. Services include passport applications (new and renewal), dual citizenship applications, notarization of legal documents, reports of marriage and reports of birth, and overseas voting registration. Please note that all services are by appointment only; walk-in applications will not be accepted. Please stay tuned for the official notice of online application and scheduling from April 6 to May 5 at www.philippineconsulatela.org. For more information, please contact Riezl Locsin-Pe Benito at (310) 952-1743 or rpebenito@carson.ca.us. This mission is done through the Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles in cooperation with Assemblymember Mike Gipson (64th assembly district), City of Carson Councilmember Elito M. Santarina, Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce—SouthBay Los Angeles Area, Farmers Insurance, Carson Adult Day Health Care Center, Dreams and Visionaries of South Bay, Inc., and the Philippine Independence Day Foundation, Inc.

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 14-20, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

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UST hosts IOWA International Conference

The University of Santo Tomas together with the US embassy in Manila will bring together 21 fellows of the Iowa Writing Program (IWP) composed of Filipino and foreign writers who will speak and facilitate in the International Conference on education, Literatures, and Creative Writing to be held from April 20 to 22, 2017 at the Dr. George S. K. Ty Function hall, Paredes Bldg., UST, Manila. According to College of education Dean Prof. Allan B. de Guzman, the conference is sponsored by the US embassy in Manila, and co-organized by the UST College of education and the UST Department of Filipino through hASAAN 5. The conference, whose theme is “educating the World through Literatures: Promoting Understanding, Peace and equality” will be a rare occasion to gather topnotch writers from all over the world who have passed through the stringent selection process set by the IWP, and are thus called ‘IWP Fellows.’ Mr. Christopher Merrill, Director of the International Writing Program of the Iowa University and member of

the National Council on the humanities of the United States of America from 2012 to 2016, will deliver the opening lecture. he will talk about ‘The Role of IWP in Promoting International Understanding, Peace and equality.’ National Artist in Literature F. Sionil José will deliver the Keynote Address while another National Artist in Literature, Dr. Bienvenido L. Lumbera will be the speaker for the plenary session. Both national artists are graduates of the University of Santo Tomas. The topics and session speakers are: Session 1 Updates on Philippine Literatures with fellows from the Philippines Mr. Sarge Lacuesta, Ms. Susan Lara, and Dr. Ruel M. Aguila; Session 2 Updates, experiences, and Concerns on Teaching Philippine Literatures with fellows from the Philippines Mr. Ian Rosales Casocot and Mr. Joel Toldeo; Session 3 Updates on International Literatures with fellows Ms. Ukamaka Olisakwe (Nigeria), Mr. Vladimir Poleganov (Bulgaria), Mr. hao Guang Tse (Singapore), Ms. Zhou Jianing (China) and Ms. Alice Yousef (Palestinian Territories).

The topic for Session 4 ‘Updates on Teaching Creative Writing’ and fellows are from the Philippines that include: Mr. Mark Angeles, Ms. Mookie Katigbak-Lacuesta, and Mr. Ian Rosales Casacot. Session 5 will be on Special Topics that focus on Writing Workshops with fellows from the Philippines that include Dr. Marjorie M. evasco-Pernia, Mr. Charleson L. Ong, and Mr. eros S. Atalia of the University of Santo Tomas. Another session, Session 6 will be on Special Topics but it primarily deal with Publishing Creative Works. The fellows are Mr. Yusi Avianto Pareanom (Indonesia), Ms. Chae Won Lee (South Korea), Mr. Ko hua Chen (Taiwan), Ms. Tomoka Shibasaki (Japan), and Ms. Christine Yohannes (ethiopia). Interested parties may contact the UST College of education through 731-4323, Mr. Alvin Ringgo C. Reyes, chair of the Teacher education Department at acreyes@ust.edu.ph, or through +639154819604 or Dr. Zendel Rosario M. Taruc, chair of the Department of Filipino at zendelt@yahoo.com or through + 63919566779.

How Zumba changed Regine Tolentino’s... From Page 3

“All I want is to promote a fit and healthy lifestyle to everyone who would like to try Zumba.” To further her advocacy, Tolentino held a dance concert with the support of pain medication Flanax. Moreover, international dance group UPeepz, Madelle Paltuob—a world-class performer and Zumba education Specialist (ZeS) —and dozens of other instructors from all over the country will join the event. “We also look forward to the special participation of the different groups from different barangay [villages], and our friends from the BFP, PNP, MMDA, AFP, and NBI,” she added. Moving on Meanwhile, Tolentino was unable to avoid talking about her

confirmed split up with husband Lander Vera Perez. The 35-year-old actress and entrepreneur announced in 2016 that she had cut ties with Perez after 18 years of marriage. She described the separation as a challenge, especially because they have two daughters. But according to Tolentino, these days, her daughters are the very ones who tell her to go out and have fun. “My kids are super open with me. They always tell me to go out and hang with friends. But right now I’m just quite busy doing a lot of things with the business, my boutique, and the artist studio. Of course I’m also busy touring for Zumba,” she shared. This summer Tolentino is looking forward to taking her daughters to Boracay where she will also hold Zumba sessions.

Asked if she will also bring a special someone to the worldfamous beach, she laughed and replied, “I’ll be there in Boracay with the kids. And because there’s a lot of things happening for me this year, it’ll probably be when I get everything done, and I’ll be more free to move around, explore and start over.” Indeed, Tolentino has her plate full nowadays with Unang hirit on GMA Network, Go Get Fit on Viva Channel, and Organique TV. “I also have an upcoming dance album that’s why I’m happy to say that I am busy with work and career so that keeps me preoccupied. I don’t have any distractions right now which is OK. This is the first time to I’ll really be able to focus on my career, enjoy it more and have fun.”

Gabbi not choosy with roles by Bot

Glorioso Philstar.com

AFTeR being tapped as Pantene ambassador in Asia with her TVC now airing in 10 countries including the Philippines, Gabbi Garcia will certainly never be picky with roles in future projects. “I’ll definitely not do that, for me, work is still work,” Gabbi said. “This (endorsement) is just one of the many things that I want to achieve, that’s why it is not enough reason for me to become a swellhead or whatsoever. It’s just something to be proud of (because it’s) a fulfillment of my dream. It’s not really something na (parang naging) lamang ako (sa iba).” Truth is, Gabbi didn’t expect to shoot for a TVC. She said it was not originally part of the deal that GMA Artist Center, the Kapuso management arm that takes care of her career, had agreed with Procter & Gamble (P&G). According to GMA Artist Center AVP for Talent Imaging and Marketing Simoun Ferrer, the P&G executives initially requested to meet the female cast members of “encantadia,” specifically the Sang’gres. The girls obliged and had an interview and photo shoots. It turned out that the P&G people were impressed with how Gabbi handled herself. “They asked Gabbi about her future plans and how she wanted to be as an actress,” Simoun said. “They were very impressed with Gabbi that they got her for Pantene then others (P&G execs) from other countries also saw her (through video conference) kaya lumaki ng lumaki yung campaign. From just being Pantene ambassador in the Philippines, Gabbi became

Pantene ambassador in Asia.” “As what Sir Simoun said, the deal was originally for digital only and the shooting was for that purpose alone then biglang may TVC na for the Philippines and the shooting would take place in another country. I thought somewhere in Bangkok or Vietnam lang pero ‘yun pala Australia.” She continued, “And then they said the TVC will air not just for the Philippines but in 10 Asian countries until buong Asia na daw. Ako naman, oh my God! I can’t believe it at first kasi parang nanganak na ng nanganak.” It only took one whole day to complete the TVC shoot in Australia but Gabbi had a great time. “I met the whole team — the production, the director — and I was surprised to find out that I was the only Filipina in the group. I learned that no one was based in Australia as the others came all the way from the US, Canada and Spain; everyone flew in just to do the commercial. It was a great production nakakalula at sobrang surreal.” Gabbi revealed that she stayed in the Land Down Under for seven days “because it was my first time in Australia and everything was new to me so I’d rather spend some time to explore the place,” she said. The Pantene TVC had its Philippine debut last April 2 and aired in other Asian countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, China, hong Kong, Taiwan and Australia. Part of Gabbi’s one-year contract with Pantene is attending the shampoo brand’s events in the country. “I’m not sure if I will do another campaign yet but I

Two women, a boy and the... From Page 5

There was once a little boy walking on the beach. he noticed that as the tide receded, there were thousands of jellyfish being washed up and lay stranded helpless on the shore. he picked them up one by one and began tossing each jellyfish back into the water, into the sea where they can survive and live. A man also walking along

the shore watched the boy in utter disbelief. To him, the boy was trying to do the impossible. Shaking his head, the man approached the boy and asked, “hey, kid, what do you think you’re doing? You can never make a difference. There are thousands of jellyfish. You’ll only save a few of them.” The boy looked at him nonplussed, shrugged his

Gabbi Garcia

have commitments here for Pantene Philippines,” said Gabbi who plays Sang’gre Alena in the GMA primetime telefantasya encantadia. Meanwhile, Gabbi denied rumors that she verbally abused her onscreen partner Ruru Madrid that caused them to part ways. “Grabe naman ‘yung sinigawsigawan ko daw s’ya sa set. It’s not true,” she clarified. “You know, a lot of nasty issues have been hurled against us like we were not okay when I had my debut when in fact, we were so sweet then, kinikilig nga ako. The ‘verbally abused’ thing, actually I found it cute because I didn’t know that it happened between me and Ruru, na may buhay kami na girlfriend and boyfriend (laughs).” They have been working together for three years now and not once did they argue on the set, she added. Asked how would she feel if Ruru courts their “encantadia” co-star Arra San Agustin and then, they become a couple, Gabbi smiled and answered, “Well, if that would make him happy then go, I’d be happy for him as well.”

shoulders and went back to throwing one more jellyfish back to the water, and told him, “Made a difference to that one …” each precious human life saved certainly made a difference to that one life. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

april 14-20, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

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St. Bernadette

Holy mass at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes with Fr. Camillo and Fr. Antonio

St. Therese child of flowers

Our Lady of Fatima Apparition Site

Our Lady of Fatima Square, Portugal

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto

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St. Therese of Avila, Spain

Fr. Camillo and Fr. Antonio in Notre Damme Cathedral

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Photos by: Andy Tecson

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april 14-20, 2017 april 14-20, 2017

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