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Volume 24 - No. 32 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

AUGUST 18-24, 2017 Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

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Duterte: 6 years for drug war DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Sotto calls Callamard, UN rights officials ‘helicopter experts’

President admits mistake in 6-month deadline by ALEXIS

ROMERO Philstar.com

MANILA - Expect more drug killings throughout the term of President Rodrigo Duterte, who admitted on Thursday, Aug. 17, that he had miscalculated the extent of the drug menace and his capability to stop it. SENATE Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III With his home city of Davao as his on Monday, August 14, took a swipe at United template, the president said he had beNations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial lieved he could also eradicate the drug killings Agnes Callamard and two other UN exproblem nationwide in just six months. ecutives for criticizing the drug war and human “Alam ko na nagkamali ako. Nagkarights situation in the Philippines. mali talaga ako. Hindi ko naman talaga The Philippine senator described Callamard and UN special rapporteurs Michel Forst and Maud de Boer-Buquicchio as mere “helicopter experts” who offer solutions to problems of a country that “they are not even familiar with.” Forst is the UN’s special rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, while de Boer-Buquicchio handles the sale and sexual exploitation of children. In a privilege speech, Sotto asked: “Is it possible to arrive in a country you are not familPAGE A4

akalain, iyang Bureau of Customs na iyan, akala ko kaalyado ko (I know I made a mistake. I really made a mistake. I really never thought that Bureau of Customs, I thought it’s an ally),” he said in remarks before Ozamiz City police officers and men. “How can I control it in three to six months? The generals and policemen are involved. The Bureau of Customs, an agency I am relying on, son of a b****, is into drugs. How will I succeed?” Duterte also argued that the drug

war has been curtailing the freedoms of citizens. The President cited the case of the Parojinogs, one of the political clans accused of having ties with drug syndicates. Police killed Ozamiz City mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr., his wife and several others on July 30 after they allegedly fought it out with policemen serving search warrants. “The people here (in Ozamiz) have tasted patronage politics... You will be next. Follow them and you will be next. PAGE A2

We are just doing our constitutional duty, CHR reminds gov’t by AUDREY

MORALLO Philstar.com

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III and United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial killings Agnes Callamard Philstar.com photos

The future of Obamacare, health care in California EVER since President Donald Trump took office earlier this year, the future of American health care has become a central issue that has left millions of Americans uncertain of their health coverage. One of the president’s campaign promises involved the repealing and replacing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, which he has consistently labeled a “disaster.” He also promised to drastically cut Medicaid, a program that serves nearly 75 million Americans. So far, congressional Republicans have made several attempts to repeal and replace Obamacare, but each iteration of the GOP bill has not made it past both houses of Congress. Each of those bills, including the House’s American Health Care Act (AHCA) and the Senate’s Better Care Reconciliation Act (and its scaled back “skinny repeal” version), called for similar things: dismantle Obamacare effective PAGE A3

Workers of a funeral parlor bring out a body from a house in the City of San Jose del Monte in Bulacan province. The dead body was from a man suspected to be peddling drugs. Inquirer.net photo by Edwin Bacasmas

DUTERTE VISITS FIRE VICTIMS IN MANILA. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte checks the condition of one of the victims of the ﬁre that broke out in Barangay San Miguel, Manila before handing the cash assistance during his visit at the National Shrine of St. Michael and the Archangels in the same barangay on Wednesday, August 16. Malacañang photo by Rey Baniquet

MANILA — The Commission on Human Rights on Wednesday, Aug. 16, again stressed it is only doing its job when it probes potential rights violations by government personnel. This is in response to a statement by President Rodrigo Duterte that he wants to have human rights advocates investigated for potential obstruction of justice and conspiracy with drug syndicates, an assertion that he did not substantiate. “The Commission wishes to reiterate that it is merely doing its constitutional duty and it remains hopeful that the government will recognize that the guarantee of equal protection of the law as well as fair and impartial trial including investigation is a constitutional right available to every single Filipino,” Jacqueline De Guia, commission spokesperson, said in a statement. The president on Wednesday said that security forces should shoot Commission on Human Rights personnel if they are found to be obstructing justice. PAGE A2

CA rejects Taguiwalo’s appointment as DSWD chief was not disclosed, Davao Oriental Representative Joel Almario said the needed 13 majority THE Philippine Commis- vote against her appointment sion on Appointments (CA) on was reached. Wednesday, August 16, reject“The committee had coned the ad interim appointment ducted a votation and has of Judy Taguiwalo as the coun- reached the requirement of a try’s Social Welfare Secretary. majority vote against the conTaguiwalo is President Ro- firmation. I stand before this drigo Duterte’s third cabinet august chamber as your chairofficial rejected by the appoint- man of the committee on labor, ments body. The other two were employment and social welfare Gina Lopez as Environment to move for the [CA] to reject Secretary and Perfecto Yasay the ad interim appointment [of Jr. as Foreign Affairs Secretary. Taguiwalo],” Almario said. While the exact tally of votes Almario assured that the by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

committee “looked into all angles of her background and character” and exercised “due diligence” in checking whether or not the appointee “suits the position.” Prior to the Wednesday’s decision, Taguiwalo was bypassed by the CA twice. The law states that the president can no longer reappoint a cabinet official bypassed three times by the CA. Speaking to reporters, Taguiwalo described the CA’s rejection as a “badge of honor.” Judy Taguiwalo raises a clenched ﬁst during a press conference after her nomination “I am in good company. I as Social Welfare Secretary was rejected by the Commission on Appointments at PAGE A2 the Senate on Wednesday, Aug. 16. Philstar.com photo by Geremy Pintolo

DFA urges Filipinos abroad to remain vigilant amid series of terror attacks by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) called on Filipinos outside the country to remain vigilant, following the recent series of terror attacks abroad. In a statement released Tuesday, August 15, Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano encouraged Filipinos overseas While the figure is lower compared to the Philippines is “well on track” in meet- remain prepared against unforeseen MANILA - The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 6.5 percent in the 7.1 percent growth in the same period ing its full-year target growth of 6.5 to 7.5 “senseless acts of violence.” the second quarter of 2017, according to last year, it is higher than the 6.4 percent percent. According to the DFA, there are more “Taking the last quarter’s GDP growth, than 10 million Filipinos outside the the data released by the Philippine Statis- growth in the first quarter of 2017. In a news conference, Socioeconomic where the government’s spending pertics Authority (PSA) on Thursday, August Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said 17. u PAGE A2 DFA Sec. Alan Peter Cayetano u PAGE A4

National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia (left photo, with microphone ) delivers his welcome and opening remarks during the Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA) press conference on the 2017 Second Quarter performance of the Philippine economy on Thursday, August 17. Pernia said Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 6.5 percent during the second quarter of 2017. Also in photo is NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon. PNA photos

Philippine economy grows by 6.5% in 2nd quarter

Philstar.com photo

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Duterte: 6 years for drug... PAGE A1 I will not stop this... I said to the police and the military: destroy the apparatus, the organization of drug syndicates,” the President said. “Kaya ikaw ‘pag namatay kayo, ma-mayor ka, ma-congressman, gobernador ka, pasensya ka (Now, you die. If you are a mayor, a congressman, a governor, if you get

killed, sorry). That is my order,” he added. “I hope that I can get rid of it before I go out of my office. I hope I will witness it. Dahan-dahanin ko lang ‘yan sila (I will do it slowly).” He said in jest that those he would spare would be sent on a ship to the South Pole and left to fend for themselves. Duterte projected himself as a

no-nonsense, tough-talking crime buster during the campaign, leading him to win the 2016 presidential race by a landslide. The longtime Davao City mayor, who vowed to suppress narcotics in six months, got more than 16 million votes, beating his more moneyed rivals, all of whom had previously held national posts. In September 2016, Duterte sought a six-month extension for his drug crackdown, saying he was shocked by the magnitude of the problem. He later admitted that the drug menace could not be solved easily and that the crackdown would have to continue until the end of his six-year term. “I said my critics were right. You said, when you become president, you can do it in three to six months. I was not aware of the problem when I assumed office. Davao was just my template. There were drugs there but if you bring drugs there, you will die,” Duterte said. He also maintained that the Philippines has degenerated into a “narcotic country.” “Now, you ask, the Philippines, are we or are we not a narcotic country? Yes, we are,” Duterte said. “I did not know it when I was still mayor… Now that I am President, I told governors and mayors, do not ever f*** with drugs because if you destroy my country, I will kill you. I have been repeating that.” Thousands have died since Duterte launched his bloody war on drugs but figures released by the government and civil society contradict each other. Previous reports have placed the death toll at around 9,000 but police officials claimed only about 3,000 drug personalities have been killed in law enforcement operations. The anti-drugs campaign has drawn flak from human rights groups in the country and abroad but Duterte has refused to listen to his critics, whom he accused of trivializing the drug problem. “Human rights, wala akong pakialam sa inyo. May trabaho ako at gagawin ko (I do not care about what you say. I have a work to do and I will do it),” the president said. Duterte said his fight against illegal drugs would not spare anyone, not even his friends.

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NEW EQUIPMENT. President Rodrigo Duterte, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana try out new binnoculars donated to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, Aug. 15. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

We are just doing our constitutional duty... PAGE A1 The president also threatened to have the CHR investigated for conspiracy following its investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of suspected drug suspects and criminals, contradicting an earlier assurance from the Palace that Duterte is aware that independent bodies such as the CHR have roles to perform. This statement is the latest in the chief executive’s tirades against the body, which has included a threat to abolish in the past, a remark that he has since dismissed as a “joke.” Duterte did not hide his anger at the CHR on Wednesday night. “One of these days, kayong human rights, kayong imbestigahan ko. Conspiracy. If they are obstructing justice, you shoot them,” the hot-tempered Duterte said during the anniversary of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC). He again returned to his usual refrain against the government

body, saying that it is not protecting nor advocating for the rights of crime victims and government personnel. “Basta human rights, ilang biktima na rito. Yung lima na namatay, yung one-year-old na ginulgol doon. Yung human rights na yan nasaan? They could not even utter it in public na, ‘Look, do not do that to me.’ Ganito ‘yan e,” he said. The presidential palace recently said that Duterte would not meddle with plans to probe the drug raid in Ozamiz City that led to the death of 15 people, including its former mayor, Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. Menardo Guevarra, senior deputy executive secretary, said that as a lawyer, Duterte is aware that the CHR had a mandate to fulfill. “He (Duterte) is also a lawyer and he knows that these other agencies have their own mandates, have their own procedures. So they are free to do what they want to do in accordance with their own mandates,” Guevarra

said in a press briefing. ‘Investigate NPA’ After Duterte’s second State of the Nation Address in July, he also called out the CHR for its alleged failure to investigate crimes committed by non-state actors such as the New People’s Army against the government. “Patas tayo (We’re even). Justice for all. What is sauce for the gander is sauce for the goose,” the chief executive said in a media conference after his speech. The CHR said that its mandate was to be the watchdog against government abuses and not to implement laws that would stop crime. It could also investigate other cases that involve vulnerable sectors, according to Jacqueline De Guia, spokesperson of the agency. “We do that [investigation] kapag vulnerable sector at tsaka yung IHL (International Humanitarian Law),” she said. The commission has, in the past, condemned the Abu Sayyaf for beheading hostages. n

DFA urges Filipinos abroad to remain vigilant... PAGE A1 country. Citing data from the Global Terrorism Database, the department made note of around 1,102 terror incidents that occurred worldwide from January to August of this year, not far from the 1,204 terror attacks that were perpetrated during the same period last year. “We want our kababayans wherever they are abroad to always remain vigilant and to always be prepared because these senseless acts of violence can happen anywhere and when we least expect them,” Cayetano said. The department issued the warning days after a foiled attack conducted by suspected Islamic

militants at a restaurant located in the capital of Burkina Faso. Cayetano also used the opportunity to send his condolences to the families of victims of the August 13 attack, which resulted to the deaths of 18 people, including foreigners. “We mourn with the families of those who lost their lives in this terrible incident in Burkina Faso,” he said. Also on Tuesday, the DFA issued Alert Level 1, or the precautionary phase, for Filipinos in Guam and the Northern Marianas islands after North Korea threatened to launch missile attacks in the area. DFA said Alert Level 1 means “the situation is still developing

and that Filipino nationals are encouraged to closely monitor the news from reliable media outlets and official advisories from the Government of Guam, and other U.S. authorities, as well as the Philippine Consulate General in Guam.” Cayetano likewise ordered all Philippine embassies abroad and consulates general to update their contingency plans to secure the safety of Filipinos. “Our people all over the world are counting on us to lead them to safety in case worse comes to worst,” the foreign secretary said. “It is thus important to make sure that all our contingency plans are regularly reviewed and updated.” n

CA rejects Taguiwalo’s appointment... PAGE A1 think to be rejected like Gina Lopez is a badge of honor for us. Kasi never kami nasabi na corrupt kami. Tumindig kami sa prinsipyo (It can never be said that we were corrupt. We stood by our principles),” she said. Lopez’ appointment was rejected last May amid issues concerning her policies against several mining operations. Though “not privy to deliberations,” Taguiwalo said she can only suspect the reasons behind

her rejection, citing her opposition to the pork barrel system and the tax reform package, and her alleged links to the New People’s Army (NPA). “I have served the people well. I gave my all and I’m proud to say that my integrity remains intact and I have never once lost sight of the people I have sworn to serve with full fidelity and courage,” she said. Malacañang, for its part, lamented the CA’s decision. “We are saddened by the Commission on Appointments’ rejec-

tion of Secretary Judy Taguiwalo,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement. Abella said Taguiwalo “had served the Duterte administration with passion, profession and integrity.” “She made an impact in the lives of many Filipinos in her tenure as DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) Secretary,” he added. “The President is now looking and studying for a possible replacement.”

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EMPTY STALLS. Stalls of poultry vendors at the San Luis Public Market in Pampanga stand empty on Monday, Aug. 14 following an outbreak of avian flu in the town. Inset shows students of San Luis Elementary School as they walk past a poultry farm where chickens are supposed to be culled. Philstar.com photos by Michael Varcas

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CHEERFUL GIVER. A soldier distributes biscuits to children from Marawi City who took shelter in an evacuation center in Malabang, Lanao del Sur. ManilaTimes.net photo

AAPI group urges use of hate crime tracker for community Filipino postal worker killed 18 years ago remembered by Rae

ann VaRona AJPress

EIgHtEEN years ago, Filipino postal worker Joseph Ileto was halfway through his route when he became a victim of a hate-motivated attack by a white supremacist. the attacker had just opened fire at a Jewish community center outside of Los Angeles where five people were severely wounded. Ileto, who was 39 at the time, was killed. According to the most recent 2015 Hate Crimes Report released last fall by the Los Angeles Human Relations Commission, hate crimes have increased 24 percent, after having seen a seven-year downward trend. Included in the increases were hate incidents towards Asian Americans, which tripled and prompted the launching for the first-ever tracker on the community. Around the time of trump’s presidential inauguration, nonprofit organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice launched Stand Against Hatred, a site dedicated to tracking anti-Asian hate attacks. According to Jessica Jinn, communications manager at Advancing Justice - LA, over 180 responses have been submitted, with new ones being added almost daily.

“As we watched all the reporting [on hate crimes], we felt that the Asian community was being left out,” said Advancing Justice - LA’s VP of Programs and Communications Karin Wang on the starting of Stand Against Hatred. Among the many stories is that of Dyne Suh, an Asian American UCLA student who had her Airbnb reservation canceled. A screenshot message from the Airbnb host which went public read, “One word says it all. Asian.” the documentation of antiAsian hate crimes isn’t new and is something AAJC has been watching for sometime going as far back to the 1980s. “there was a surge in anti-Asian hate attacks in the 1980s and 1990s, a lot of which were tied to other global phenomenon and news events,” said Wang. In the 1980s, a lot of backlash was targeted on the Japanese community as a response to the Japanese auto industry. In the 1990s, hate activities were especially on the rise in places like Los Angeles, which included the killing of Ileto. According to Wang, most of these attacks were, and continue to be tied to what is happening on the global front. the same seems to be the case now during the current global and political climate where a lot of tension has

been building up with Asia and Muslim countries, specifically with China and most recently, North Korea. “We saw in the data that there was a spike in anti-Muslim and anti-Chinese attacks specifically in 2015 and 2016,” shared Wang. She added that many of the attacks towards Muslims, which many Asians identify as, were linked to the recent Paris and San Bernardino attacks. While there are no links specifically explaining attacks towards Chinese, Wang said the organization believes that many have to do with anti-China rhetoric and comments that have been brought up during the recent presidential campaign and through trump’s inauguration. “A lot of submissions that also been about being told to go back to China even if they weren’t Chinese,” said Jinn. throughout trump’s presidential campaign and after his election, China has many times been labeled as an economic threat, explained Wang. In a 2015 interview with good Morning America, trump labeled China as an economic enemy, saying, “Because it’s [China] and economic enemy, because they have taken advantage of us like nobody in history. they have; it’s the greatPAGE A4

The future of Obamacare, health care... PAGE A1 immediately, slash government funding to Medicaid and scale back federal funding of Planned Parenthood. And they would all have similar effects: tens of millions of people would be kicked off health insurance, public health programs would slowly dwindle and nonprofit health clinics would see dramatic cuts in funding and an erosion in resources. Americans have been divided on the issue of repealing or saving Obamacare, but a recent poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that about 78 percent of Americans (roughly 8 out of 10) say that the president should try to make Obamacare work. Despite Republicans’ failure to get their answer to Obamacare passed, health care professionals in California remain active in ensuring that Obamacare remains intact. Health care outlook for California Health care experts in California are especially concerned with the direction of health coverage amid the uncertainty brewing in Washington. During a press call hosted by New America Media, several health care advocates shed light on the severity of not having a clear path. “While we are relieved that the proposals have stalled for the moment, we know the threat continues and we are still very much engaged in this federal fight,” said Anthony Wright, executive director of consumer health advocacy coalition Health Access. Wright indicated that the proposed cuts to Medicaid and the dismantling of Covered California (California’s official health care exchange) would leave 6 million Californians without insurance. It would also disproportionately affect communities of color, who rely on Medicaid and Covered California. As a way to ensure that millions of Californians keep their health care, Wright proposed that, rather than get rid of Obamacare, lawmakers should push to keep the current system and build on it. Moreover, Californians have a duty to vote for congressional representatives who do not support the cuts to Medicaid or the removal of Obamacare. “We’re not looking just to maintain current health care system, but to make improvements,” Wright offered. “We need improvements in the way of extended care to immigrant chil-

dren, approval to extend Medicaid to young adults regardless of citizenship status, getting better transparency over prescription drug process...if we could maintain that, and not have these egregious cuts, we can focus on steps moving forward and ways to improve on the current system.” the fight for health care has mounted for months, but more than ever, health care advocates are concerned that a deal won’t be made before the federal budget deadline on September 30. If Congress has not reached an agreement on a spending package by that date, the government will face another shutdown. the spending package includes all areas of the law, but reaching a deal on health care is the country’s most crucial issue that would have a direct effect on millions of Americans, especially families and children. Approximately 5.7 million children in California are enrolled in Medi-Cal, Covered California and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), children’s health program under Medicaid; and, 3 out of 4 children under these programs are children of color. Mayra Alvarez, president of the Children’s Partnership, said that ensuring that children and their families receive affordable, quality health coverage is significant. According to Alvarez, children who receive coverage are more likely to succeed in education and, as adults, will become less reliant on safety net programs. “We need to keep Medicaid and CHIP strong so every child has a chance to receive health care and lead successful lives,” Alvarez said, adding that children are the largest group of those covered under Medicaid. Health care clinics across the nation would also be affected by the drastic cuts proposed by congressional Republicans. Health clinics, which are nonprofit community centers that serve 1 out of 7 Californians, are also up for federal funding renewal. Ramifications Should the government fail to make a decision for the federal spending package, health clinics would receive a huge blow, according to Andie Patterson, director of government Affairs at California Primary Care Association. Some of the consequences include the 28,000 health center shutdowns, 51,000 staff layoffs and 900,000 patients without care. Patterson said that before

Obamacare, a majority patients at health clinics were uninsured, but with the expansion of Medicaid under the Obama administration, more than 1.3 million (57 percent of all health clinic patients) are now covered. “Any threats to Medicaid absolutely undermine the foundation of health centers, fundamentally disrupts health centers and patients’ access to care,” Patterson said. Patterson also spoke about the importance of ensuring that the federal funding of Planned Parenthood remained intact. Each version of the gOP’s answer to Obamacare included the federal defunding of Planned Parenthood, the nation’s most prominent public resource for sexual and reproductive health, a decision mainly divided by party lines. there are 115 Planned Parenthood clinics in the state that serve more than 800,000 patients. As a representative of health clinics, Patterson said that funding diverted from Planned Parenthood to health centers would not add up and would be a “lose-lose” situation for patients and health clinic staff. “Patients deserve a choice. Reproductive choices and services from Planned Parenthood are essential to the health care system in California,” Patterson asserted. “It is impossible to think that health clinics could absorb patients from Planned Parenthood because the services they provide are not offered in clinics. It would mean dismantling a major reproductive health source for men and women.” As a response to the possible collapse of the health insurance market, the Senate health committee will hold hearings on a bipartisan health bill in September before the federal spending package deadline. Earlier this month Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-tenn.) assured Americans that the deal will bypass the contention and delay caused by partisan politics. “If your house is on fire, you want to put out that fire, and the fire, in this case, is the individual health insurance market. Both Republicans and Democrats agree on this,” he said in a statement. “Unless we act, many of them may not have policies available to buy in 2018 because insurance companies will pull out of collapsing markets.” (Klarize Medenilla/ AJPress)

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Number of dialysis patients in Calif. surges by Pauline

Bartolone Kaiser Health News

FARE HIKE LOOMS. A jeepney driver accepts the fare paid by a passenger on Sunday, Aug. 13, two days before oil companies implement another adjustment in their pump prices. The Philippine Confederation of Drivers and Operators-Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations is planning to file a petition to increase the minimum fare from P8 to P9 because of the series of oil price increases. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

AAPI group urges use of hate crime... PAGE A3 est theft in the history of the world what they’ve done to the United States. They’ve taken our jobs.” Again in a campaign rally in May 2016, Trump made comments on trade policies and said, “We can’t continue to allow China to rape our country and that’s what they’re doing. It’s the greatest theft in the history of the world.” Still, anti-Asian hate incidents struggle to be publicized with many going unreported which perpetuates the idea that Asians are not subject to attacks, said

Wang. “Many, especially older generations, don’t want to draw attention,” explained Wang. This was the case for Ileto’s family, who continues to be vocal about the issue, even though they were initially scared. Currently, Advancing Justice - LA is working on making reporting easier for those of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. They’ve also come out with a California specific brochure on identifying and reporting hate incidents in the Los Angeles County, and are available in Tagalog, Korean, Chinese, and

English. On the front of each one reads, “An attack against one, is an attack against all.” While hate crimes have been on the rise, the group remains optimistic. “Los Angeles for example, is very ethnically and religiously diverse,” said Wang. This diversity, she hopes, will be a benefit in the future. Still, the need for awareness on Asian American hate crimes remains the organization’s key focus. “If we don’t track it [the crimes], we’re not sure anyone else will pay attention to it,” added Jinn. n

THE number of Californians who are getting care at dialysis centers has jumped in recent years — but not because kidney disease is more prevalent. The reason is that people are living longer with end-stage renal disease, said Anjay Rastogi, a professor of nephrology at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine. The number of new cases has generally leveled off in recent years, Rastogi said. “The same number of patients are being put on dialysis, but they stay on dialysis,” he said. More than 139,000 kidney patients sought treatment at dialysis clinics around the state last year, a rise of about 46 percent from about 95,000 eight years earlier, according to data from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD). Rastogi said dialysis patients are living longer because treatment of medical conditions that are frequently associated with kidney failure, such as cardiovascular disease and infections, has improved. “Previously, there was very high mortality of patients on dialysis,” said Rastogi. In a way, he said, the higher number of dialysis patients “shows that we do a better job,” of managing them. The number of stand-alone clin-

The number of Californians who are getting care at dialysis centers has jumped in recent years — but not because kidney disease is more prevalent.

ics in California where patients receive dialysis has also increased over the past eight years, from 420 in 2009 to 543 last year. The state’s dialysis industry is largely controlled by two for-profit corporations: Denver-based DaVita Kidney Care and Germany’s Fresenius Medical Care, which together own nearly three-quarters of the clinics in California. As the demand for dialysis has grown around the country, both companies have expanded by acquiring smaller dialysis providers. Dialysis is on the radar screens of state lawmakers — and organized labor — this year. A California bill that will be considered by the legislature this month would require minimum staff-to-patient

ratios at dialysis centers, as well as more time between patients for staff to prepare, and regular inspections. The labor union behind the legislation, Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW), says the rule would protect the safety of patients. The union has also co-sponsored a state bill that would require dialysis centers to spend at least 85 percent of their revenue primarily on direct patient care. If the clinics didn’t meet that spending threshold, they would be required to issue refunds to nongovernment insurers. SEIU-UHW says it intends to use the November 2018 ballot as a backup plan for the two dialysis bills. If the staffing ratio bill does not become law, the union hopes to advance a ballot initiative that incorporates both bills. If the staffing ratio bill is signed into law, the union plans to put a more narrowly focused proposition on the ballot, asking voters to cap what dialysis centers spend on items not related to patient care. (Pauline Bartolone/Kaiser Health News) This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. KHN’s coverage in California is funded in part by Blue Shield of California Foundation. n

Sotto calls Callamard, UN rights officials...

Philippine economy grows 6.5% in...

PAGE A1

iar with, and in a couple of days, speak about the decades-old problems of that country like you had all the wisdom in the world? And even expect to be welcomed hospitably by your hosts?” The senator also refuted Callamard’s claim that “there is no evidence Shabu leads to violence or causes brain damage” by citing killings committed by drug abusers. “Just six months ago, particularly in February of this year, a 4-month-old baby was raped by a known junkie in their neighborhood in Carcar City, Cebu. The baby was found bloodied and naked 30 meters from her home. There were lacerations, blood and grass particles found in the private area of the victim. Who, in his normal state of mind, can do such a thing to a baby who is defenseless, weak and fragile?” the

senator said. He continued, “More recently, specifically last May 2017, a policeman, who was charged with two counts of parricide by shooting his wife and son 38 times and even stabbed his son in the heart ‘because he wouldn’t die’, tested positive for drugs and admitted that he had sniffed ‘shabu’ days before the brutal killings.” Callamard has been a vocal critic of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war and of the alleged thousands of summary executions and human rights abuses linked to his anti-narcotics campaign. Last May, Callamard visited the country to attend a drug policy forum in Manila. Sotto said he initially wanted to discuss the issue with Callamard during her visit but “time and circumstances conspired to dampen (his) interest to speak.” “I thought the passage of two

and a half months would make my interest fade away and die, but I was mistaken. Just last August 2, another provocation emanated from the same source, and if I continue to be silent, I may be remiss in my duties,” he said. Callamard, Forst, and de BoerBuquicchio recently called on the Philippine government to address growing reports of human rights violations in the country. In a joint statement, they said many groups in society, including children, are becoming victims of “severe, multiple human rights violations.” “We are shocked by the increasing levels of violence, killings, intimidation and harassment being suffered by human rights defenders — including those protecting indigenous peoples — trade union organizers, farmers and their family members,” they added. (AJPress)

FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS

( Mt Carmel, Mt Beatitude, Mt.Tabor, Cana, Capernum, Nazareth, Mt. of Olives, Old & New Jerusalem, Bethlehem Qumran, Masada, Jericho )

Dec 3 to 14, 2017

Spiritual Director: Rev. Fr. Alvin Cachola

formance was lackluster but where the private sector stepped up, and then this quarter’s GDP growth, where government really stepped up but where private sector slackened, just think what could happen if both government and private sectors together exerted that extra effort,” he said. With the latest economic data, he also pointed out that the country remains “one of the best-performing economies in Asia,” overtaking Vietnam’s 6.2 percent growth and Indonesia’s 5.0 percent growth rate. Malaysia and Thailand have yet to release their data but are expected to be lower than the performance of the Philippines for this quarter. “This puts the country as either the second or third fastest growing major Asian economy, next only to China whose growth rate is

6.9 percent growth in the second quarter,” Pernia added. In a separate statement, National Statistician Lisa Grace Bersales said among the main drivers of the country’s growth for this quarter include manufacturing, trade, and real estate, renting and business activities. Data showed that the industry sector recorded the fastest growth rate at 7.3 percent. It was followed by the services sector at 6.1 percent growth, although it is lower than its 8.2 percent growth in the same quarter last year. The agriculture sector, meanwhile, recovered with 6.3 percent growth from 2.0 percent decline in the previous year. “Net Primary Income from the Rest of the World (NPI) grew by 8.6 percent compared with the 6.1 percent growth recorded in the same quarter of the previous year. As a result, Gross National Income (GNI) posted a growth of 6.8 per-

cent,” Bersales added. Following the report, IHS Markit Asia Pacific Chief Economist Rajiv Biswas said he is expecting the Philippines to maintain its rapid economic growth towards the end of the year. “Over the next 12 months, the GDP growth outlook will be supported by significant increases in infrastructure spending, with total infrastructure spending of PHP1.13 trillion targeted for 2018, with transport and social infrastructure being key priorities,” Biswas told Philippine News Agency (PNA). He went on to say, “Improving infrastructure is very important for boosting the nation’s industrial and export competitiveness, as the Philippines is competing for foreign direct investment with other [Southeast Asian] countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore which have invested heavily in high quality infrastructure.” n

Havan�, Cub� May 22 to 29, 2018

May 22, 2018 (Tuesday - Day 1) Los Angeles to Havana, Cuba Depart from LAX to Havana, Cuba. Upon arrival in Havana, meet our guide and transfer to the hotel for dinner. May 23, 2018 (Wednesday - Day 2) Havana, Cuba Our day will begin with mass at the Cathedral of Havana located in the center of Old Havana. After mass, proceed for a city tour of Old Havana with an experienced local tour guide. The tour will take 4 DEC-Day 2 - (Mon) - Arrive at Ben Gurion airport Tel-Aviv/Tiberias place on foot and you will visit all the squares of Old Havana. Take in the astonishing beauty of the After you have finished Immigration, collect Luggage then Meet our guide and driver. Transfer to Tiberias , Dinner /overnight Gai Beach Hotel historical buildings, sculptures, and monuments. After lunch you will have free time to bargain at the 5 DEC-Day 3 - (Tues) Cesarea /Haifa San Jose Craft Market. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 3 DEC-Day 1 - (Sun) LAX/TLV On board meals are served

There was a certain man in Caesarea” Drive north to the sparkling port city of Haifa, viewing Caesarea en route, the city built by Herod. In Haifa, we will ascend Mt. Carmel; home of the two prophets Elijah and Elisha, Visit the Stella Maris Church celebrate Holy Mass in the main Altar, after enjoy the panoramic view of the Mediterranean, continue to Tiberias for dinner and overnight. Gai Beach Hotel (BB,D)

May 24, 2018 (Thursday – Day 3) Havana, Cuba This morning, we will visit the Convent and Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem. This religious complex is the most extensive of those surviving in Old Havana. Here you will attend mass. After mass, you will meet with the 6 DEC-Day 4 - (Wed) - Tiberias/ Cana/ Nazareth Holy Eucharist at the Church of annunciation “And Mary said, Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your nuns and assist with projects of the day. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the evening you will assist word” We head to Cana of Galilee, where Our Lord performed the first miracle – changing water into wine at the wedding feast. Here, we’ll a Cuban cultural demonstration. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) invite couples to renew their marriage vows. Continue to Nazareth, Celebrate Holy Eucharist at the Church of Annunciation, visit St Joseph workshop. We return to Gai Beach Hotel for our dinner and overnight. (BB/D)

07 Dec-Day 5 - (Thurs) Mt Tabor/Mt Beatitude/Capernum/ Sea of Galilee/Tabgha

We drive to Mount Tabor, celebrate Holy Eucharist at the church of Transfiguration, Visit Mt. of Beatitudes the site of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus preached to the people. enjoy a scenic boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, home of Our Lord during his ministry. After visiting the Synagogue where he taught, proceed to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Gai Beach Hotel for our dinner and overnight. (BB/D)

May 25, 2018 (Friday – Day 4) Havana, Cuba You will have mass at the Convent and Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem. After mass, you will continue to assist the nuns. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. This evening in Havana, we will plan an exciting tour of the historical complex of Castillo del and La Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana. If the timing and weather conditions permitted, you will witness the special nightly cannon at the fortress. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

08 DEC-Day 6 - (FRI)-Jordan valley/Jericho/Bethany/Jerusalem

May 26, 2018 (Saturday – Day 5) Havana, Cuba Start the morning off with mass at a local church in Havana. After, you will visit the Abel Santamaria School for the blind, located on the grounds of an old military base. The school aims to integrate the children into mainstream schools as soon as the child is ready through an outreach program which continues to support children at their secondary schools. You will spend time meeting the students 09 DEC-Day 7 - (Sat) - Jerusalem (old City) - Via Dolorosa and teachers. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Cintio Vitier Community Project Center, where arts Holy Sepulcher Church “And he bearing his cross went forth into a place of a skull, which was called in Hebrew Golgotha” Enter the old city of Jerusalem, Sing a hymn in the Church of St Anne and view the pool of Bethesda. Visit the Chapel of Flagellation, Programs of all types including painting, ceramic and dance hosted. You will learn about this community project and hear from Lithostrotos, where the soldiers played the Game of Kings, and Arch of the “Ecce Homo”. Follow the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) to the the director of the program, Pedro Pulido. End your day with a panoramic drive through Modern Havana riding in old classic cars holiest shrine in Christendom, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, visit Golgotha and the tomb of Our Lord. This afternoon drive to Mount Zion, from the 1950’s. Be sure to have your camera ready for this unique experience. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Drive the Jordan Valley to Jericho, the oldest inhabited city in the world. View the Mount of temptation, where Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the desert. Visit the ancient ruins of the wall. Drive through Wadi Welt to view St George’s Monastery. Continue to Bethany celebrate Holy Eucharist, and then visit the tomb of Lazarus. Arrive in Mount Scopus; enjoy the first view of Jerusalem. Dinner and overnight at Notre DAME VATICAN HOTEL (BB,D)

to visit the upper room, revered as the site of the last supper. Then survey the Dormition Abbey’s, St. Peter in Gallicantu, where Peter denied Jesus three times. Dinner and overnight at NOTRE DAME Vatican Hotel (BB.D)

10 DEC-Day 8 - (SUN) - Mount of Olives/Gethesemane/Bethlehem/New City

Holy Eucharist celebration at the Church of all nations Main altar Arrive at the Mount of Olives and enjoy the beautiful view of Jerusalem. Visit the Chapel of Ascension, Pater Noster Church and the Dominus Flevit Church”God wept “& walk the Palm Sunday road to the Garden of Gethesemane and the Church of all Nations. This Afternoon drive to Bethlehem, a city whose name the whole world recognizes ,visit the Church of Nativity, the manger, Church of St Catherine, The Grotto of St Jerome, and the shepherds fields. Dinner and overnight at NOTRE DAME VATICAN HOTEL (BB ,D).

May 27, 2018 (Sunday – Day 6) Havana – Las Terrazas – Vinales Valley Start the morning off with mass at a local church in Havana. Then you will be transferred to Las Terrazas for a tour of the community. Visit the neighborhoods, their schools, artists and community projects in the area. You will then continue to Vinales. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check in and rest. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

May 28, 2018 (Monday – Day 7) Vinales Valley Start the morning off with mass at a local church in Vinales. Then you will have a sightseeing Visit the Western Wall , the only part of the Herodian temple still standing and the most sacred place in the world for Jews. We drive to Dead tour. There is an opportunity to visit a Tobacco Farm and learn how to expertly roll a cigar. You will Sea, the lowest spot on earth. Visit Qumran; see the caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. Continue to Masada, visit Herod’s also have the chance to visit an interesting site called the Prehistoric Wall and to take a Boat Ride fortress and the Jew’s last stronghold against the Roman. Return to Jerusalem Overnight Notre Dame Vatican Hotel (BB,D) through underground caves known as The Indian Caves. Then visit Finca Agroecolgica El Paraiso 12 DEC-Day10 - (TUE) Jerusalem New City where you will have lunch. After you will visit the gardens with the breath-taking views. Return to the hotel where you will have Return to the new City, Including the Temple Model to see a scale model of Jerusalem as it was during the time of Jesus. Here we will have a dinner. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 11 DEC-Day 9 - ( MON) - Jerusalem/Dead Sea/Qumran/Masada

better understanding between old and New Jerusalem. Next to Ein Karem, birthplace of St John the Baptist, visit the Visitation church where Mary proclaimed her famous “Magnificat Overnight NOTRE DAME VATICAN HOTEL (BB,D)

13 Dec-Day 11 - (WED) Jerusalem/TLV/LAX

Breakfast rest of the morning Free time early PM dinner has to check out from the hotel, around 8:30 PM flight from TLV/ LAX in the 13 Dec flight depart TLV at 1:00 Am Dec 14,2017 ( end of Service )

May 29, 2018 (Tuesday – Day 8) Vinales – Havana – Los Angeles Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home as your trip comes to an end. (Meal: Breakfast)

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 18-24, 2017

D ateline PhiliPPines SC justice ready to testify against Sereno ‘Duterte wants joint exploration with China’ by eDu

Punay Philstar.com

MANILA - A magistrate of the Supreme Court (SC) is willing to testify on the impeachment charges against Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno should the trial against her proceed. The justice, who requested anonymity so as not to preempt the expected proceedings before Congress, cited several allegations in the impeachment complaint against Sereno that involve internal matters of the high court that only insiders would be able to attest to. “If summoned by the impeachment court, we will be compelled to testify in the trial out of respect for the constitutional process,” the justice told The Star by phone. The magistrate would not reveal if the testimony will support or negate the allegations raised against Sereno. But the justice stressed that any testimony would anyway undergo test of credibility during trial. “I don’t have any ambition to replace her (Sereno) or any agenda,” the justice said. Earlier this month, the SC allowed the release of court records and documents sought by groups seeking the ouster of Sereno to bolster the impeachment complaint against her before the House of Representatives. All 14 other colleagues of Sereno in the high court voted unanimously to grant the request of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) and the Vanguard of the Philippine Constitution Inc. (VPCI) for certified copies of several documents that will support their allegations against the Chief Justice. Among the records ordered released to VACC and VPCI were the SC’s revocation of Sereno’s order in 2012 to reopen a regional constitutional administrative office (RCAO) in Cebu without the collegial approval of the Court. The SC also granted the release of Sereno’s memorandum for appointment of lawyer Solomon Lumba as her staff head and the subsequent letter of Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio withdrawing his signature from the appointment over an internal issue. The VACC and VPCI alleged that Sereno violated the Constitu-

Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno Philstar.com photo

tion when she appointed Lumba, a professor at the University of the Philippines College of Law, when the law provides that appointive government officials shall not hold another public post unless otherwise specified. But the high court rejected the request of the groups for release of the Memorandum of Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro questioning Sereno’s orders which lacked necessary approval of the collegial court as provided under the rules, including the appointment of a Philippine Judicial Academy (Philja) official. The SC explained that such memorandum could not be released pending resolution from the Court. De Castro’s internal memorandum, which was reported by The Star earlier, specifically assailed the appointment of lawyer Brenda Jay Mendoza as Philja chief of office for the Philippine Mediation Center, which she said violated their Administrative Order No. 33-2008 that required the appointment for the post to be approved by the SC collegially. De Castro also assailed Sereno’s grant of foreign travel allowance to members of her staff without required approval from the full court. She bared that the Chief Justice’s staff members were being given travel allowances even when their trips abroad were on “official time,” which should not involve expenditure of public funds. De Castro also questioned the “long delay” in the appointment in vacant key positions in SC pending before Sereno’s office, “which is

prejudicial to the best interest of service.” In their complaint, the VACC and VPCI accused Sereno of culpable violation of the Constitution by issuing an administrative order creating the new Judiciary Decentralized Office (JDO) and reopening the RCAO in Western Visayas in the absence of an authority from the Court. They also raised the appointments of Lumba and Mendoza in the SC as basis. The complaint also alleged that Sereno committed betrayal of public trust for sitting on the applications for the vacant posts in the Supreme Court. The VACC, a supporter of President Duterte, reinforced the impeachment complaint it filed against Sereno by submitting a “substitute complaint” and certified true copies of the documents and court records which will support their allegations against the Chief Justice. VACC president Dante Jimenez led the filing of the substitute complaint. He was accompanied by lawyer Eligio Mallari of the VPCI and former congressman Jacinto Paras. The new complaint was filed in the office of House Secretary General Cesar Pareja, who refused to give journalists a copy. Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez bared that the leadership of the House of Representatives will deliberate and hold hearings on the impeachment complaint against Sereno. “There will be a committee hearing on it, especially now that the Supreme Court issued certified true copies of documents related to the allegations in the complaint,” Alvarez said in an interview with Headstart aired over ANC. The House committee on justice handles the impeachment complaints. Earlier, some parties reportedly found it hard to secure the documents from the SC and the Judicial and Bar Council. House leaders, including Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, told lawyer Larry Gadon that if push comes to shove, lawmakers will subpoena the alleged concealed assets and the psychiatric report of Sereno where she reportedly failed. Gadon, an ally of former presiPAGE A7

by Jess

Diaz Philstar.com

MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte wants the country to enter into joint exploration with China in both disputed and undisputed areas in the West Philippine Sea, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said. He also said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is verifying the information of Rep. Gary Alejano of party-list group Magdalo about Chinese vessels massing near Pag-asa Island off Palawan, which is occupied by Filipino soldiers and civilians. “There is communication, I can tell you, but I cannot go into details,” he told reporters at the House of Representatives, where he was scheduled to brief the special committee on West Philippine Sea chaired by Quezon City Rep. Feliciano Belmonte Jr. “We communicate with them quietly and ask them, ‘why are

you there?’ In the past, we confronted them at every opportunity by filing a diplomatic protest. That tack didn’t work. Now, we are trying to establish peace and stability,” he said. DFA spokesman Robespierre Bolivar said the incident should be verified and proven first before the Philippines could file a diplomatic protest. Regarding the joint exploration activities, Cayetano assured the nation that these would “conform with our national laws, the Constitution and Supreme Court cases and rulings on the matter.” “No national territory or sovereignty will be lost. We will not give even an inch of territory to them,” he said. He said the joint exploration and development projects could be for oil, natural gas, marine life and other natural resources. “We will come up with a doable, legal framework,” he said.

He added that he has already asked for the help of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi and his lawyers to draft such legal framework. The government had allowed a private company identified with businessman Manny Pangilinan to explore Recto (Reed) Bank for oil and gas. However, the Aquino administration suspended the activity when the country filed its case with the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration, which has ruled in favor of Manila by invalidating China’s claim to almost all of the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea). However, Beijing does not recognize the ruling, which states that Recto Bank is part of the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone. There have been reports that Chinese Coast Guard vessels were patrolling the Recto Bank area.

More Filipinos expect better lives in next 12 months by Helen

Flores Philstar.com

MANILA - More Filipinos expect better lives in the next 12 months, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) poll published by the newspaper BusinessWorld on Tuesday, Aug. 15. The nationwide survey, taken from June 23 to 26, showed 44 percent of 1,200 respondents saying they expect their quality of life to improve while only four percent expect it to get worse. This resulted in a net personal optimism score of +40, classified by SWS as “excellent.” The latest net personal optimism was one grade and four points up from the “very high” +36 registered in March. In Luzon, net personal optimism increased to “excellent” +42 in June from “very high” +37 in March. It rose by three points to “excellent” +46 in Metro Manila; by five points to +37 in Mindanao and by two points to +36 in the Visayas. The latest net personal optimism in the Visayas and Mind-

According to a recent poll by the Social Weather Statios (SWS), more Filipinos are expecting better lives in the next 12 months. Inquirer.net photo

anao were classified by SWS as “very high.” Net personal optimism climbed three points to “excellent” +41 in the second quarter from March’s “very high” +38 among class D. It also increased by eight points to a “very high” +37 in June from a “high” +29 in March among those in class E. It remained at “very high” category among those belonging to class ABC, increasing two points to +39. SWS noted that net personal optimism had been “excellent”

for five consecutive quarters before the March 2017 survey. Asked on change in personal quality of life from 12 months ago, 37 percent of Filipinos said their lives improved, while 19 percent said otherwise. Economic outlook Meanwhile, the number of Filipinos expecting the economy to improve in the next 12 months dropped in June but stayed in “excellent” territory. SWS said 39 percent of respondents look forward to better PAGE A7

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AUGUST 18-24, 2017 • OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

Worst-case scenario

FEATURES

NORTH Korea has been firing and testing missiles—18 test launches this year—at an unprecedented pace. Amid its rising tensions with the U.S., it recently announced a detailed plan to redirect some of its intercontinental ballistic missiles toward Guam, an American territory in Micronesia in the Pacific Ocean. Guam is one of America’s major military hubs and home to U.S. bombers. Experts believe that when North Korea’s plan is carried out, the situation could instantly escalate into war. North Korea is also preparing its plan to fire four of its Hwasong-12 missiles over Japan and into waters around the tiny island, which hosts 7,000 U.S. military personnel on two main bases and has a population of 160,000. Despite this being part of North Korea’s usual nuclear and missile provocations, South Korea insists that the rising tension may still be resolved through diplomacy. “Military action on the Korean peninsula can only be decided by South Korea and no one else can decide to take military action without the consent of South Korea,” South Korean President Moon Jae-in said. Meanwhile, U.S. Department of Homeland Security assured Guam and U.S. residents that “there are several levels of defense, all strategically placed to protect our island and our nation.” One-third of Guam’s 160,000-population (42,835) are Filipinos. Meanwhile, there are currently 65,000 Filipinos permanently residing or

temporarily working with or without documents in South Korea. This is why the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is monitoring the situation closely and has alerted its embassies in Guam and Seoul to make sure that contingency measures are in place. Philippine Pres. Rodrigo Duterte urged both Washington and Pyongyang to exercise restraint and to begin talks to de-escalate the situation in the Korean Peninsula. North Korea’s ballistic capabilities continue to show the world that it’s only a matter of time before this secretive regime bolster its stature against its perceived adversaries. Processing plutonium over the years, the country is believed to have enough fissile material to produce nuclear bombs. Although still meager compared to the arsenals of nuclear powers such as the U.S., Russia and China, North Korea’s proliferation strengthens its image as a looming threat to the peace and security of the world. Regardless of how potent North Korea’s threat fected should the worst case scenario arises. is, Filipinos caught in the middle of this tension, For the time being, they are spared from imalong with other innocent lives, will be most af- minent devastations. But no one should take any

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

chance, concerned parties must aggressively pursue a pragmatic resolution and push for peace out of moral reasons. (AJPress)

Charlottesville tragedy reveals the truth in Donald Trump’s heart: Not a president for ALL AMERICANS PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP could The Fil-Am have made this crisis an opportunity to seize Perspective a defining moment in his troubled presidency — to prove he is indeed the president of all Americans as he has GEL SANTOS-RELOS promised on the campaign trail and in his inaugural speech. He could have used this as an opportunity to affirm what the Constitution declares that in America, ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL! But NO— Trump took 48 hours. I take that back. I will explain later. First, picture this: August 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. The “white nationalist” white supremacist, Neo-Nazis, Ku Klux Klan hate groups exercised their First Amendment right and marched in the streets of the quiet university town for their announced protest against the planned removal of Robert E. Lee’s Confederate statue — a monument that glorifies slavery in America. The residents of Charlottesville and people who support the removal of the Confederate statues went on to exercise their First Amendment right as well, by counter-protesting in favor of the removal of the Confederate statue and to rally against the racist and hate groups. But then the racist protesters went far and beyond their permit, and armed with torches, poles, Nazi symbols, they started chanting Nazi chants: “You (African American) will not replace us.” “Jews will not replace us.”

Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA I WAS 5 years old when Gen. Douglas MacArthur made good on his promise to return to the Philippines. I was, therefore, old enough to remember how my family and the residents of Tacloban coped with the Japanese occupation and the prospect of an American invasion. I vividly remember the fox holes and the air raid shelters. The fox holes were pits dug along the streets of Tacloban, wide and deep enough for several people to dive into, in case of a bombing attack. The air raid shelters were reinforced bunkers under the houses. I don’t recall ever having to duck into a fox hole, but I distinctly recall the first bombing raid by American P-38 fighter planes on the Tacloban airport and how my parents herded the entire family under the house and into the rela-

“One people, one nation, end immigration.” “White lives matter.” “Blood and soil.”Blood and soil.” “Whose street? Our street!” The encounter between protesters and counterprotesters became even more heated when these racists groups directed slurs directly against specific people, using the N-word and using phrases, like “Go the f*** back to Africa.” There were also armed militia men in camouflage, who, according to interviews and reports by The Washington Post, was lead by Christian Yingling, who has organized similar militia efforts at other right-wing gatherings. The tension escalated and the police were caught flat-footed. Video reports showed violent altercations, including one of 20-year old Neo-Nazi supporter James Field from Ohio, driving a car and plowing through the counterprotesters, killing Heather Heyer and injuring dozens. Lieutenant H. Jay Cullen and Trooper Berke M. M. Bates of the Virginia State Police were killed in a helicopter crash near Charlottesville. Last Saturday, August 12, President Donald Trump gave a statement saying: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence, on many sides. On many sides. It’s been going on for a long time in our country. Not Donald Trump, not Barack Obama. This has been going

on for a long, long time.” Trump has been swamped with criticisms from the people and leadership of Charlottesville and around the nation and the world, who wondered why did he NOT call out by name, condemn and disavow this domestic terrorism perpetrated by the white supremacists, alt-right and the KKK. On Sunday, August 13, the White House issued a statement: “The president said very strongly in his statement yesterday that he condemns all forms of violence, bigotry and hatred, and of course that includes white supremacists, KKK, neoNazi, and all extremists groups. He called for national unity and bringing all Americans together.” This was not acceptable to most Americans, many of whom were even perplexed considering how quick Trump unleashes his wrath via Twitter against those whom he calls “bad people,” those whom he does not like, and those who are critical of him. Finally after 48 hours, amid pressure from both the Republicans and Democrats, Trump spoke again on Monday, August 14, in front of the camera, and read a scripted message on the teleprompter finally calling out the racist groups by name. However, his tweets and actions following this just undermined his scripted message, when he whined against media asking him why it took him 48 hours to call out the racist groups. He then retweeted (and deleted) a tweet illustrating a train running over a man (labeled) CNN, calling mainstream media “fake news.” Then on Tuesday, August 15, Trump

held a press conference that just revealed his Saturday statement was what was really in his heart. He rationalized his Saturday statement contending he wanted facts before he made a statement. As early as Saturday, we all knew about the fatal violence was perpetrated by the white supremacist groups; He should have seen what we all saw on TV regarding the Neo-Nazi racist and antiSemitic chants, language, and action of the protesters— what facts did he need to call out and condemn the violence for what it was? He went on to defend the racist protesters and suggested there were “fine people” there at their rally and not all were white supremacists. He went on to criticize what he called the “alt-left” groups whom he accused of being “very, very violent” when they sought to confront the white nationalist and Nazi groups. He contended there is “blame on both sides.” Trump received thanks and accolades from the White Supremacist and Neo-Nazi leaders for speaking the “truth” on their behalf about what really happened in Charlottesville. They previously have said they support Trump because he would bring their country back. Trump did not disavow their support. The president even criticized the clamor to take down the confederate flags and statues which glorify slavery in America. He claimed this was rewriting history and changing the American culture. He even asked reporters if this would mean that Washington and Jefferson’s statues would then be removed next because they too had slaves? Did Trump know that the

Civil War, which abolished slavery under Lincoln, came after the time of Washington and Jefferson? Why even put Confederate Leader Lee alongside Washington and Jefferson in their significance and importance in American history? Does Trump even know the pain slavery brought to many people in America? Does Trump even know the horrors the families of Jews had to go through during Hitler’s Nazi Germany? SO — I take my word back: Trump did not really call out these racist and hate groups. His words and actions just revealed Donald Trump is not and could not be the president of ALL AMERICANS. I am encouraged to see Republican leaders speaking out against Trump’s statement and stand on this issue. How about his other fans and supporters? As Heather Heyer posted on Facebook before she was killed in Charlottesville, “If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention.” This is not a Republican or Democratic issue. This is an American issue and we should all make a stand. We do not have a president who will lift up, unify and heal the nation of the divisions because he is fanning the flame of division, hatred, and racism with his words and actions. Where is the president with moral compass and authority to do this? Trump is NOT that president. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

If Trump and Kim Jong-un unleash fire and fury tive safety of our air raid shelter. These recollections have been stirred by the exchange of incendiary language between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un. The question that comes to mind is, what are the survival options in case of a nuclear attack on the San Francisco Bay Area, where my family and I live? A study prepared by Michael Dillon, an atmospheric scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, suggests that it is possible to survive such an attack. First of all, it is imperative to find shelter, best of all, a place protected by layers of concrete, such as the underground parking facility of an office building. We are told that a nuclear explosion will generate “a fireball roughly a third of a mile wide with temperatures equal to the surface of the sun,” most buildings within half a mile would be knocked down and a “flash of thermal energy would burn ex-

posed people within a mile of the detonation…Then, there would be deadly radiation. Debris from the explosion would be sucked upwards into a giant mushroom cloud and then carried downwind…Falling particles the size of grains of sands sprinkling down across the Bay Area would emit gamma rays that could give people severe radiation poisoning. The most dangerous zone would be 10 to 20 miles downwind of the explosion, while some fallout could occur 100 miles away or farther, depending on the magnitude of the explosion. (Communities upwind and far enough away from the explosion would escape relatively unharmed.)” According to a side comment on Dillon’s paper, “If you spend too much time outside in the fallout, you’re toast.” But still, it’s good news that survival is possible, as long as there are adequate preparations. The bad news is that, as of now, I am not aware of any such preparations on the part of the U.S. government – except the contin-

gency plans to ensure the survival of the leaders of the country and the continued operations of government. At the height of the Cold War, many American households actually built basement bunkers in the event of a nuclear attack. This was parodied in the film, “Blast from the Past,” starring Brendan Fraser and Christopher Walken. It was about a family so paranoid over a nuclear war that it prematurely retreated to a radiation-proof shelter with ample provisions, remaining in it for years and not realizing that the war never came. In the Philippines, in the late 50s, there was an office of Civil Defense, with quarters under the Luneta grandstand. At best, however, the office could only broadcast a warning to the general population in case of an emergency. The same warning system is also in place in the U.S., usually raising the red flag concerning impending natural disasters. But the country’s emergency response system could not

even cope with the destruction wreaked by Hurricane Katrina. But to go back to the possibility that Kim Jong-un and Trump will exchange “fire and fury” with their “locked and loaded” weaponry: It is estimated that a missile fired from Pyongyang will hit Guam in 14 minutes. Guam is 2,131 miles away. That’s less than half the distance from North Korea to San Francisco, which is 5,626 miles. That means, we Bay Area residents will have a little over 30 minutes to find a basement parking facility. But what are the chances of San Francisco becoming ground zero for a nuclear attack? According to the usual optimists, it’s not likely to happen. Even assuming that Kim Jong-un sends missiles flying in the direction of California, these would be shot down with the U.S. military’s THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system, or with the Aegis ballistic missile defense system mounted on U.S. destroyers, before the missiles re-enter the earth’s atmosphere. In fact,

Guam is also equipped with its own THAAD system which is designed to intercept multiple missiles simultaneously. What Pyongyang’s military has reportedly threatened to do, to quote it verbatim, is “the simultaneous fire of four Hwasong12 (rockets)” at Guam to inflict “enveloping fire” on the island. But this may be in response to a pre-emptive strike by the U.S. on North Korea. Otherwise, North Korea seems to be planning to just “miss” Guam by several miles and scare the wits off the islanders. On the other hand, the Trump government has indicated that it will “seriously consider” shooting down any North Korean missiles tested in the vicinity of Guam, even if not necessarily targeting the island. That could be construed by Kim Jong-un as a U.S. pre-emptive strike and could trigger his counter-attack. As cold-blooded as it may seem, Trump and the U.S. miliPAGE A7

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reﬂect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 18-24, 2017

Trillanes, Faeldon clash at Senate probe on shabu smuggling by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

SENATE PHOTO EXHIBIT. New York-based Japanese photographer and campaigner Toshi Kazama (left), Senator Risa Hontiveros, and Rafendi Djamin of the Coalition for the Abolition of the Death Penalty in ASEAN (CADPA)-Indonesia ﬂash the “stop” sign during a photo exhibit titled “Stop the Death Penalty: End Crime, Not Life” at the Senate on Monday, Aug. 14. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Gordon, Sotto: No enough evidence linking Duterte’s son to smuggling case by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

MANILA - Senators Richard Gordon and Vicente “Tito” Sotto III claimed there is no sufficient evidence proving the involvement of President Rodrigo Duterte’s son Paolo in the smuggling of P6.4-billion worth of shabu from China. Photos showing the younger Duterte together with Kenneth Dong—the alleged middleman of the smuggled shipment—were presented during the resumption of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee inquiry on Tuesday, August 15. Gordon, however, described the photos as mere “hearsay.” “I have not found any evidence to believe that,” Gordon, who chairs the committee, told reporters after the hearing. He went on to say, “Hearsay eh. Pinalinaw ko yun tanong, alam mo ba yan o sabi-sabi daw? Eh sabisabi, papaano naman yun? That’s unfair (It’s hearsay. I clarified the question, do you know it or it’s hearsay? It’s just gossip. That’s

unfair).” Sharing the same sentiment with Gordon, Senate Majority leader Sotto said there’s no enough basis for the committee to summon the president’s son, who is also the current Davao City vice mayor, in the next the hearing. “No basis at all. The chairman himself knows it’s purely hearsay,” Sotto said. He further pointed out, “What if somebody comes here and says that [former President Benigno Aquino III] is involved in the delivery of whatever, patatawag mo kagad si Noynoy? Hindi pwede yun. Lalo na hindi sya yung direct, may nagsabi lang daw (Will you summon him? No, especially if it’s based on a hearsay).” Customs broker Mark Taguba previously mentioned Paolo Duterte being “name-dropped” by individuals behind the so-called Davao Group allegedly involved in illegal transactions with the Bureau of Customs in the city. Taguba also clarified that he has no personal knowledge of the vice mayor’s supposed involvement. Dong, for his part, denied that

he is close to the young Duterte, saying they were only “acquaintances.” “Nagkakilala kami (We met) way back in 2008 because I expanded my first branch of weighing scale in Davao. Acquaintance lang kasi hindi naman kami ganoon kaclose (Just an acquaintance because we’re not that close),” Dong explained during the hearing. President Duterte repeatedly vowed that he’ll resign from his post if anyone could prove that any of his children were involved in corruption or any illegal practices. Malacañang on Monday, August 14 challenged critics — who are spreading the pictures online suggesting Paolo’s involvement in smuggling — to formally file charges against the vice mayor. “If they really have a case regarding that matter… I mean, what does a picture prove?” Duterte’s spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a media conference. “It’s different in court and [if] there’s documentary evidence. What’s important is actual documentary evidence and not just hearsay.”

SC justice ready to testify... PAGE A5 dent Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and a Duterte supporter, was supposed to file a separate impeachment complaint, but opted to hold it after Fariñas advised him to make sure that the complaint complies with the “personal knowledge” re-

quirement. As a matter of procedure, an impeachment complaint needs to get an endorsement of a sitting congressman before it could be referred to the House committee on justice for hearing. If the signatories reach at least 97, it will

be forwarded to the Senate for trial. So far, only the VACC and VPCI have filed an impeachment complaint against Sereno but this cannot yet be considered valid as it still has no congressman-endorser yet.

MANILA - Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon had a heated exchange during the resumption of Senate inquiry into the entry of P6.4-billion worth of smuggled shabu from China. During the Senate’s third hearing on Tuesday, August 15, Trillanes, who was the first interpellate, asked Faeldon if there is a corruption in BOC. The Customs chief repeatedly refused to answer, stressing that he does not want to Trillanes’ “preposterous” accusations against him by answering the senator’s question. “The preposterous stories peddled by you are all over the news the past few days. I do not want to further justify your baseless accusation by answering your question,” Faeldon said.

Last week, Trillanes said that he has “enough information” to say that the Faeldon is “at the heart” of the smuggling controversy. During the hearing, the senator, however, clarified that he did not accuse Faeldon of being the center of the smuggling activities in the agency. Trillanes then warned the Customs chief that he would be charged in contempt if he continues to refuse to answer the question. “I’m asking you as a member of the committee. These are not accusations. Tinatanong kita, meron bang corrupt sa Customs o wala (I am asking you, is there corruption in Customs or none) or I’ll be forced to move you for contempt,” the senator said. But Faeldon maintained that giving Trillanes an answer was “pointless,” as he was already judged by the senator. “In the past few days, the

honorable senator has come up with a lot of accusations already that I am in the middle of the smuggling of shabu in the country… It is pointless for me to answer these questions because he has already come up with a conclusion,” the Customs chief said. Upon Senate blue ribbon committee chair Richard Gordon’s prodding, Faeldon later answered “yes.” In May, a 600-kilogram shipment of shabu worth P6.4 billion (US$126 million) were seized at two warehouses in Valenzuela City after it slipped through a what should have been tight screening by the BOC. In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said President Rodrigo Duterte will not immediately fire Faeldon and would instead “wait for the report of both chambers of Congress before deciding how to best address the issue.”

More Filipinos expect better lives in...

PAGE A5 economy while 12 percent said otherwise, yielding a net optimism score of “excellent” +27, down 11 points from an “excellent” +38 in March. It was also the lowest since June 2015’s “very high” +15.

It declined by 15 points to +34 in Mindanao; by 12 points to +27 in Metro Manila; by 10 points to +23 in balance Luzon; and by seven points in the Visayas to +27. It remained in “excellent” level across socioeconomic classes

despite the declines of 27 points among ABC class to +22, 11 points to +27 among those in D and seven points to +25 in E. The SWS poll has sampling error margin of plus or minus three percentage points for national percentages.

If Trump and Kim Jong-un unleash... PAGE A6 tary command could be playing a numbers game. California, with a population of 39-plus million (the most populous U.S. mainland territory closest to North Korea), and even Hawaii, with its 1.5 million islanders, will likely be defended more aggressively than Guam, which only has 175,000 inhabitants. Guam could become the equivalent of a “loss leader” (to use a marketing term) – enabling the U.S. to unleash its military might and destroy much of North Korea’s nuclear capability. But not all. It is assumed that the North Koreans have substantial striking power hidden in underground silos, much of it aimed at Seoul. Although Seoul has its own THAAD missile defense system, that may not be enough to intercept what is expected to be a rain of rockets from the north. The bottom line is that Seoul, with a population of 24 million or nearly half of South Korea’s 51.25 million

(along with 28,500 U.S. troops), would be devastated. Kim Jong-un, with his braggadocio, may be willing to sacrifice his people for his greater glory, and that of his father and grandfather. Pyongyang’s population of 2.5 million is just one-tenth of Seoul’s and North Korea’s total population of 25-plus million is just a million more than that of the South Korean capital. And what about Donald Trump? Who knows what he will do in this deadly game of chess? After all the bluster about “fire and fury” and about being “locked and loaded,” he may decide to make Guam a pawn, in order to destroy North Korea. Trump might even consider Seoul a price worth paying, to wipe Kim Jong-un and his ilk off the face of the earth. What about the Philippines? Any chance of Manila becoming a target of North Korea? It’s not likely. And for this, President Rodrigo Duterte may be patting himself on the back. He has acted

belligerently towards the U.S., without cutting off ties, while cuddling up to China and welcoming both North and South Korea at the recent ASEAN conference in Manila. At any rate, thank heavens for that. Metro Manila is only 1,820 miles from North Korea – or closer than Guam is — which means that a missile would reach the Luneta in less than 14 minutes. The buildings with basement parking are mainly in Makati which is less than 10 miles away from my home in Parañaque — but from one to two hours by car, using South Expressway Theoretically, taking the Skyway would be faster, but getting onto it from either Sucat or Bicutan and getting off it at the Magallanes, Don Bosco or Pasay Road exits could guarantee being barbecued in the car. I think the best option for survival is to pray. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)

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Common health myths and new food trends to try

by Rae ann VaRona / AJPress Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, once said, “let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.” these words still hold true today. Yet, with various opinions on diet and exercise, and new foods frequently being dubbed superfoods, it can be tough deciding which advice to take. the Asian Journal got insight from philippine-based Harvie de Baron, a sports nutritionist and founder of the acclaimed Baron Method, on some common myths about health, exercise, and food. He also shared his thoughts on some currently trending health foods that many Filipinos may already be familiar with. Myth: Carbohydrates make you fat rice, pan de sal, ensaymada, and pancit are all delicious Filipino foods. they also contain carbohydrates, which people often have a love-hate relationship with due to their misassociation with weight gain. Many end up eliminating them from their diet, but Baron advises not to. “i have a love-love relationship

with carbs,” Baron shared with the Asian Journal. He explained that carbohydrates serve many important functions in the body like controlling the level of serotonin which is responsible for maintaining mood balance. this can explain why many scientists believe that people with low serotonin levels seek out carbs. there are things to consider though, as not all carbs are the same. “complex carbs such as quinoa, brown rice, and black rice are very good for the body,” said Baron. “the body likes those very much.” Myth: Stick to three meals Merienda or no merienda? that is the question. Many believe that having three meals throughout the day is best for losing weight, keeping fit, and staying satiated. others believe in having smaller meals throughout the day. personally, Baron is a merienda fan, but he makes sure to choose healthy snacks that the body can process, like fruits. “that way, the body can use the energy from the food well,” said Baron. according to him, the body

The time and effort you dedicate for work is exemplary but it also means taking care of your most important investment: your health. Inquirer.net photos

There are many exercises and machines being promoted as solutions for stubborn belly fat. Unfortunately, ab exercises and machines alone won’t give you a flatter stomach.

How to keep physically and mentally healthy in a busy workplace By IRIs

VIcente AJPress

it is exhausting to try and break an endless cycle of unhealthy habits. come to think of it, you work long hours on weekdays that With various opinions on diet and exercise, and new foods frequently being dubbed superfoods, you’re so drained by the end of it can be tough deciding which advice to take. Inquirer.photos and Philstar.com photos the week so instead of hitting the it also depends on what your actually likes the predictability of beach or trekking the mountains goals are, he added. “if you do too eating regularly. He added that in some laid-back town to loosen much cardio, you can look skinny doing so can help prevent hunger up, you choose to sleep your pangs and cravings from happening and lean, but without muscles,” said way through that monotonous Baron. Vice versa, focusing more at the end of the day. weekend. Before you know it, you’ll on weight lifting can make you Myth: Crunches or ab have to go back to that vicious bulk up. think of bodybuilders, for exercises get rid of belly fat cycle again, possibly a few times example. this is a myth because it is only over. “You have to find the right true to a certain extent. there are More often than not, it is the many exercises and machines being balance of doing both,” said logic behind people quitting their promoted as solutions for stubborn Baron. “it all boils down to a jobs as days are stressful with the belly fat. Unfortunately, ab exercises combination of eating well, lifting workload pressure along with the and machines alone won’t give you weights, and doing your cardio.” lack of driving force to catalyze Try This: Jackfruit (langka) a flatter stomach. overall exercise work efficiency. Based on the — The jack of all fruits and nutrition really make the Health and safety executive’s (Hse) Filipinos have long enjoyed difference. “if you still eat poorly, Labor Force report in 2016, there langka in turon, halo-halo, or in that’s not going to happen,” he were 440,000 total number of ginataang langka. in the United shared. depression, work related stress, or states, it’s quickly becoming one But that doesn’t mean you anxiety cases in western countries of the top health food trends and should quit doing them. “Doing and it is the root of 9.9 million lost is popping up in stores like Whole crunches and ab workouts will working days per year. Carbohydrates serve many important functions in the body like controlling the level of Foods and trader Joe’s where they actually build muscle in that area,” if you find yourself falling in serotonin which is responsible for maintaining mood balance. can be found canned, pre-cooked, said Baron. that category, you might want to or pre-seasoned in flavors like Myth: Weights are for reevaluate whether or not you are barbecue or teriyaki. “bulking up”, cardio is for running your life earnestly. Here the fruit’s meat-like texture slimming down are five things to keep yourself this is also only true to a certain has made it a popular alternative physically and mentally healthy in a to meat, and is a good source of extent. “You will not immediately busy workplace: Vitamins B-6, K, and c. When ripe, ‘bulk up’ if you lift weights,” said Maintain a healthy lifestyle it is praised for being a diabeticBaron, adding that the term the time and effort you friendly carb! “bulking up” often has a negative dedicate for work is exemplary but “i love that it’s becoming a connotation. this is a common it also means taking care of your health trend because most fruits concern for people looking to get most important investment: your have superfood qualities,” said smaller, but Baron explained that health. Most of the time, people Baron. “it’s just a matter of which you can still have a strong-looking equate productivity with the ones are being thrust into the physique while retaining your amount of time a person spends in figure. as for women, they generally spotlight at a certain point.” the office but looking after yourself, don’t have enough testosterone. eating well, making sure to get 7-8 Continued on Page 4 Overall exercise and nutrition really make the difference.

Based on the Health and Service Executive’s (HSE) Labor Force Report in 2016, there were 440,000 total number of depression, work related stress, or anxiety cases in western countries and it is the root of 9.9 million lost working days per year.

hours of sleep a day and setting aside a little time to exercise or pursue an activity that you enjoy is what it takes to be productive. When you are constantly running in emergency mode, your mind and body pay the price. Develop a balance between “me” time and work everyone who has a job will understand you if you speak of stress with your job. Whether it is because of your heavy workload or self-generated stress, it is one of the inevitable dilemmas in the workplace. a little stress fix can help you perform under pressure and push you to do your best but too much fatigue can affect your productivity. Make sure to avoid exhaustion and getting burned out by having the balance between personal time Continued on Page 3

Why getting enough Zzzs is important Bittersweet: the lowdown on sugar By elIJah

RodeRos AJPress

are you always tired and grumpy when you come home from work or school? Do you lack focus and have difficulty in making decisions on your daily routine? Does your sleepiness greatly affect your efficiency in day-to-day activities? Maybe the problem lies with your lack of sleep. studies show that the gap between just getting enough sleep and getting a little sleep significantly affects your health, your mood, your weight, and even your sex life. the way you feel when you’re awake depends upon what happens when you are sleeping. During sleep, your body is at work to maintain a healthy brain function and well-being. in children and teens, it helps with their growth and development. so the next time you are planning to cut off some sleep, maybe you should consider the following importance of having a full night’s sleep: Healthy brain function and emotional well-being Have you ever felt like your brain is full? Maybe you’re brainstorming on some complex project or you’re starting a new job, and you’re not sleeping enough while constantly consuming new information. Well, if the answer is yes, your brain is actually full. Your brain creates a connection when you are learning new things, but there are ad hoc connections. Your brain needs

to prune a lot of those connections to build more efficient pathways, and clear your mind for space. these happen while you are sleeping and will help you to remember and to prepare you for learning the next day. studies show that sleep deficiency alters activity on some parts of the brain. if you’re sleep deprived, you may have trouble making decisions, solving problems, controlling your emotions and behavior, and adapting to change. sleep deficiency has also been linked to depression, suicide, and risk-taking behavior. Physical health When you are sound asleep, your body also heals and repairs its heart and blood vessels. ongoing sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. studies show that lack of sleep may cause obesity. Less than 6 hours of snoozing time can impact your appetite and BMi regulation. a study, published in a special issue of the american Journal of Human Biology, revealed that the brain send signals which controls your appetite. inadequate sleep influences the secretion of the signal hormones, ghrelin, which increases appetite, and leptin, which will signals that you are already full. this can lead to increased food intake without burning the food consumed. in a poll conducted by the Continued on Page 3

The way you feel when you’re awake depends upon what happens when you are sleeping. During sleep, your body is at work to maintain a healthy brain function and well-being. In children and teens, it helps with their growth and development. Inquirer.net photo

By JennIfeR

soRIano

AJPress

eVeN as children, we know all too well that sugar is in our favorite chocolates, candies and other food high in glucose, which can be detrimental to our health and well-being. through the years, our relationship with this sweet, edible, crystalline carbohydrate continues to be a paradoxical one and, in a sense, perverse. as we grow older, we continue to love its sweetness. Yet this very sweetness is the reason for our health maladies such as diabetes, blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation, and mental problems. a plethora of medical research has consistently revealed that sugar is a nightmare that tastes like a daydream. according to the World Health organization (WHo), a mix of too much sugar and sedentary lifestyle is the cause the death of millions people worldwide. Let’s find out more how sugar is killing us sweetly. Biologically wired to love sweets our fondness for anything sweet is rooted to a scientific explanation — and we have

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a mix of too much sugar and sedentary lifestyle is the cause the death of millions people worldwide.

our genes to blame. “sugar is a powerful food additive because our bodies are hardwired to like sugar,” says anthropologist solveig Brown, author of “all on one plate: cultural expectations on american Mothers.” in a separate research by professor susanne Klaus, a biologist at the German institute of Human Nutrition in potsdam, said that sugar stimulates the brain — thus the release of dopamine, a “feel-good” chemical. Brown reveals that sugar is “eight times more addictive than cocaine.” He went further by saying that all of our 10,000 taste buds has

A plethora of medical research has consistently revealed that sugar is a nightmare that tastes like a daydream. Philstar.com photos

its sugar receptors, consequently triggering the brain’s pleasure center. Brown said that children — regardless of culture — have an innate fondness for sweets and have the higher bliss point for sugar compared to adults. the latter is the reason why food products marketed for children taste sweeter. the benchmark of sweetness is set during childhood, a reality which can be harmful for children who develop fondness for food that are too sweet. “early childhood experiences shape our food preferences, which means that the average american child, who has a diet high in sugar, is learning that foods should taste sweet,” said Brown. the problem starts when children, at a very young age, are given food that are too sweet, causing them to dispel other flavors such as the taste of vegetables, Dr. David Ludwig, who is an expert in food and health, said. When culture dictates the unhealthy habit aside from our genes, we have our own culture to blame. in every Continued on Page 4

Gerald Anderson gets inspiration from Filipino soldiers Why getting enough Zzzs is important

august 18-24, 2017

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by MarIdol

ranoa-BIsMark Philstar.com

NoThING pleases Gerald Anderson more than helping soldiers. he visited wounded military men confined at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center after they fought in Marawi City. Before the ABS-CBN reality show â€œPinoy Big Brotherâ€? (PBB) beckoned, Gerald wanted to follow in his father, Captain Gerald Anderson Sr.â€™s, footsteps by becoming a soldier himself. Now, all he can do is haul a bag full of camouflage outfits in the trunk of his car, and imagine himself a soldier through the characters he plays. â€œI got so excited after reading the storyline of â€˜AWoLâ€™ (an action film to be shown along with other movies at the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino on August 16 to 22),â€? Gerald said during a lunch break on the set. he trained with scout rangers (who focus on anti-guerilla warfare, among others) in Fort Bonifacio and handled guns to play the role of a Special Action Force (SAF) member assigned in Mindanao. Geraldâ€™s character was the only one left standing in battle. So

soldiers who sacrificed so much for us,â€? stated Gerald. Thanks to triathlon events where he rode his bike over smooth and rugged terrain (the latest was Cebuâ€™s Ironman 70.3 with Matteo Guidicelli and Kim Chiu) the actor has no problem with action scenes. Yes, they are taxing. But Gerald can deliver. he even rode his bike going to the â€œAWoLâ€? set that day because he wanted to make up for the one-week lapse in training when he went to Toronto for a live presentation of â€œASAP.â€? â€œAn actor must be physically fit. he needs stamina,â€? Gerald Gerald Anderson on the set of â€œAWOL,â€? his personal tribute to soldiers who died in the pointed out. A healthy diet, he Marawi siege. added, is also part of the deal. Gerald thinks staying fit is a the enemy wants to wipe him and duty, not just to himself, but to his entire family out. fans who see him on the big and The actorâ€™s respect for the small screen. It lets him chase the military rose after playing the movie, which depicts the sacrifices bad guys, leap from heights, fire away, and do other things that soldiers make to protect the require strength and endurance. country. Many of them â€” like a soldier his figure is why Geraldâ€™s action movies come one after another, Gerald trained with â€” died while and he feels on top of the world. fighting in Marawi. â€œPara akong nasa Disneyland,â€? No wonder the actorâ€™s respect Geraldâ€™s smile was as wide as the for military men soared while ocean. doing â€œAWoL.â€? After all, he worked hard for â€œI know itâ€™s not much. No one it. And he is just getting what he can replace a personâ€™s life. But richly deserves. weâ€™re dedicating this movie to

From Page 2 National Sleep Foundation revealed that up to 26 percent say that their sex life tends to suffer just because they are too tired. Impaired sleep can also cause lower testosterone levels in men. A study on college students showed that for every hour of sleep corresponds to higher sexual desire, greater vaginal lubrication and a 14 % increase in the chances of getting frisky the next day. It leaves you feeling refreshed, relaxed, energetic and more importantly â€” being sexy! Daytime performance and safety Getting enough sleep at the

you are driving or listening to a professor in a class. Studies show that a driverâ€™s sleepiness leads to yearly 100,000 car accidents, resulting to 1,500 deaths. This harms your driving ability as much as being drunk. Drivers arenâ€™t the only ones affected by the unwanted dozing. It affects people in all field of work. As a result, itâ€™s not only harmful on a personal level, but can also cause large-scale damage. So from now on, when you lie to bed at night, give yourself some beauty rest to restore and rejuvenate. Your body will thank you for it!

How to keep physically and mentally... From Page 2

and work â€” leave work at work when possible. Reviewing your job activities and success factors can also help you keep up with the track. More importantly, donâ€™t forget to reward yourself after every achievement. Weekend getaway, anyone? Manage your time effectively Most of the time, you spend long hours in the office for the mounds of work thatâ€™s beginning to pile up. This is not because the world has entrusted you all the work but you sometimes accept all the good comments that she By IrIs VIcente everything thatâ€™s asked from gets from netizens as she is a good AJPress you. Itâ€™s important to learn to set human being, â€œTo all of you, this your priorities and goals straight. ShoRTLY after making woman makes me feel good about Who says â€œto-do listâ€? are for high headlines with his name change, myself. Sheâ€™s the reason I stopped schoolers? Work around what Jake Zyrus now appears to have hating myself because of what you value highly, enlist a good moved on from his previous other people think/say about me. support system by delegating heartbreak and has found a new other than her outer beauty, her and learning when to say no. love. inner beauty is one of the many Being a superhero is one thing, a Gossip about Zyrus going back reasons why I adore her. Sheâ€™s martyr is another. on the dating scene spread on patient, funny and humble. Thanks Positive attitude Sunday, Aug. 13 when nutritionist for complimenting her. It makes You know how people and fitness instructor Shyre me feel very proud,â€? he said. would say that everything will go Aquino uploaded a photo on her Upon going through Aquinoâ€™s smoothly if you give it a positive Instagram account showing her posts, it appears that the two had approach? That couldnâ€™t be any and Zyrus at the beach. been dating since, or even as early more true. Anyone who radiates Jake Zyrus Photo from his Instagram account â€œI love you for who you areâ€? as July since there were other an optimistic vibe can perform her caption reads. Aquino had posts of Aquino and the singer as live in partners. Two months effectively as disposition can another photo with Zyrus in with captions like â€œEach day with later, he changed his name and greatly affect efficiency. Be open her Instagram where the singer youâ€?. admitted to undergoing hormone and honest with people, rather posted a lengthy and heartfelt It can be remembered that therapy. he is set to hold his first than hiding your thoughts and comment. Zyrus broke up with Alyssa concert as Jake Zyrus on october feelings. Negative impressions Zyrus said Aquino deserves Quijano last April, after four years 6. when bottled could blow up pretty

has Jake Zyrus found his new love?

right time helps you to function well throughout the day. People who lack enough sleep are less productive and take longer to finish tasks, have slower reaction time, and tend to make more mistakes. Even a loss of just 1-2 hours of sleep per night, can affect your ability to function as if you havenâ€™t slept for a day or two. Light sleepers are prone to microsleep, a brief sleep and unintended episodes of loss of attention that may occur when a person is tired. You canâ€™t control microsleep and you may not be aware of it. These may be a problem when

bad when triggered so speak your mind and share your thoughts to fend off stress. Enjoy your work No matter how hectic your schedule is, if at the end of the day, you love what you do and it still boosts your creativity, then that is when you know youâ€™re on the right track. Work doesnâ€™t feel like work when being tired is satisfying and even serves as your drive to feed your fire in being the best

than your last. Added info: thereâ€™s nothing like getting paychecks for something that you basically enjoy doing. Balancing the demands of a busy lifestyle is not an easy thing to do, but is best managed by frequently reviewing and assessing your priorities. While it is ideal to prepare for your future, itâ€™s also important to take care of yourselfthat you live appropriately, so as not to defeat your purpose.

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Common health myths and new...

From Page 2 He reminded that fruits, in general, are very good for the body because they have a lot of vitamins, minerals, and live enzymes that make them beneficial. Moringa (Malunggay) — The new kale or matcha? “I love this stuff,” shared Baron. Kale and matcha are two greens that have been embraced as famous superfoods, but can malunggay be next? The green tree is becoming increasingly popular in the states and is being sold commercially in powder or capsule form, or in bars. Many Filipinos enjoy it sauteed, in soup, or even mixed in pan de sal. Nutrition wise, malunggay is said to have more iron than spinach, more vitamin C than oranges, and more potassium than bananas. It is also said to help fight and prevent problems like diabetes and heart disease, but more research needs to be done. Baron himself has used malunggay to help people with cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and more. If you’re looking for more ways to add malunggay to your diet, do

as Baron does and use it in cooked meals, as a vegetable on its own, as a pure oil supplement, or in juicing. Sleep inducing foods — Eating to a good night’s rest. We’ve heard of clean eating, but clean sleeping, or simply getting a decent night’s sleep, has been front and center in health trends lately. Foods like turkey, string cheese, sweet potatoes, soy milk, and the infamous durian all contain tryptophan — a natural sleep-inducing compound. As a result, people are turning to these foods to help get some shut-eye. Tryptophan definitely helps with sleep, shared Baron, but he further suggests eating foods

with melatonin like bananas, and herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint which help the body relax. Making sure our body is getting enough nutrients throughout the day is also helpful, he added. “Normally, people don’t get enough nutrients during the day,” explained Baron. “That is why they can’t sleep unless they succumb to their cravings at night.” Baron also stressed that there are many strategies outside nutrition that can help us get some zzz’s. “Putting your cellphone aside, finding relaxing activities to help you wind down, and exercising during the day also help with good sleep.”

Bittersweet: The lowdown on sugar From Page 2 occasion, situation or mood, either good or bad, we tend to succumb to our cravings for sweets. Sugary treats are regarded as both a consolation during bad times and a reward during good times. We eat chocolates when we are depressed and we buy cakes for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and whatnots. When this is the case, it becomes a hard habit — or more appropriately, culture, to break. What is more alarming is that the food we eat nowadays are also loaded with hidden sugars. This includes bread, pastas, and sauces. Filipino food are comparatively sweeter than those of their western counterparts. Just look at how sweeter our spaghetti recipes are compared to those of Italians. The not-so-sweet effects of sugar to our body Experts has been contesting that the root of the health

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problems worldwide is rooted to sugar, and not fats. “It’s not about obesity, it’s about diabetes. our sugar consumption is killing us, and you can’t fix this until you fix the food,” said Dr. robert H. lustig, an internationally renowned endocrinologist and author of the book “Fat Chance: The Hidden Truth About Sugar, obesity, and Disease.” lustig visited the Philippines last month as a guest speaker for the event hosted by the Philippine Center for Diabetes Education Foundation Inc. and United laboratories, with a theme, “Fats and Sugar: Friends or Foes?” “We were told it was the dietary fat that made you fat and it was the fat that made you sick, therefore eat less fat because that would mean eating fewer calories, therefore you would lose weight and therefore you would get better. And it hasn’t worked. It

hasn’t work in any country,” lustig said in an effort to give weight to the more serious effects of dietary sugar against dietary fat. The urgent need to reduce sugar intake With all the emerging evidences against the ill effects of too much consumption of sugar, there is an urgent need to reduce, if not to cut off, our consumption of this tempting ingredient. A nutrition expert from WHo reveals that sugar does not play a role necessary to our diet. “Nutritionally, people don’t need any sugar in their diet,” says Dr. Francesco Branca, Director of WHo’s Department of Nutrition for Health and Development. May this scientific revelation encourage you to ditch sugar, since its sweetness is not worth the illness that you have to pay in the end. To emphasize: with all its sweetness, sugar can’t promise you happy endings.

HOME AGENCY

PSYCHIC

Did Arci Muñoz change her ‘look’? ProBABly to take the attention off her face, actress Arci Muñoz has been posting photos of her recent sexy bikini shoots in Visayas. Arci is trending on social media due to her alleged new nose and lip surgeries, which according to some netizens, made her look like Michael Jackson. In earlier reports, it has been said that Arci allegedly had a new nose job after her nose developed keloids due to excessive head banging. The actress by day is a rock star by night, going by her real name, ramona Thornes, as the vocalist of heavy metal band, Philia. It was also due to a head banging accident, when her nose hit her microphone, that prompted the actress to change her look. In her social media posts and recent interviews, Arci said a makeup trick, which includes applying the lipstick on the outer borders of the lips, makes her lips look bigger and plumper. She noted that she does not care of what people think of her. She also said that she respects people who have undergone

Arci Muñoz

Photo from her Instagram account

cosmetic surgery for as long as this makes them happy and more confident about themselves. (Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo/Philstar.com)

Paul Soriano dismisses rumor linking him to Erich Gonzales by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

AFTEr a pregnant silence, director Paul Soriano has finally agreed to clear the persisting rumor (going around showbiz circle) linking him to not only Erich Gonzales (whom he’s directing in a movie being shot in Siargao) but also, believe it or not, Maja Salvador (whom Paul directed in the movie Thelma) and Ellen Adarna (now being linked to K-Pop band Big Bang’s

Seungri whom she met in Bali where she’s vacationing with a friend). Good thing that Paul’s wife Toni Gonzaga has already dismissed the yarn as unfounded and she wasn’t affected by it. The rumor about Maja was allegedly a joke played on Toni by her younger sister Alex. Paul’s reaction: “All these stories are not true and unfortunately I hope and pray this isn’t the way our movie will be promoted. let’s please focus on the film and the story we’re telling.

Erich Gonzales, Paul Soriano and Toni Gonzaga

Thank you, sir. Appreciate the concern.” Paul and Toni are both Christian and they put Christ at the center of their family (including their son Seve who’s turning one-year old in September). The couple is currently seen in the TVC as endorsers for Gold Seas Tuna Chunks. The brand believes in the importance of extending as much love and care to family by not compromising when it comes to the family’s overall health and well-being.

Inquirer.net photos

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA EMMA looked down at the busy huddle in the operating room. The doctors and nurses in their blood spattered scrub suits were working on someone. They were desperately trying to bring a patient back to life. Emma took a closer look. “Why that’s me,” she thought. The doctors were trying to bring her back from the brink. Her vital signs were weakening. If the monitor flat lined, Emma knew she would be gone for good. There seems to be a thin silver thread that still anchors her to her body but the physical life force is ebbing away fast. She remembered being in a car accident. Emma was only 42. “Go back,” she seemed to hear someone tell her but there was no

Who’s afraid of death? “Although my near-death experience was nearly thirty four years ago, there is virtually not a day that goes by that I am not aware of making decisions based on that experience.” – Geraldine Berkheimer, writing about her near-death experience in 1959 in Paris, France sound. Emma felt so light, so free. She hadn’t felt this wonderful in a long time. A feeling of wellbeing was engulfing her. She was in a tunnel and a white speck of light glowed at the end. There was a being of light in the distance. She began moving towards it. Then she felt the grief of her husband and her two young children She caught a glimpse of them in the hospital waiting room. Matt, the younger one, has his face pressed

Calendar of Events across

against the windowpane staring out through the glass at the pouring rain. Her heart was filled with love for them. They still need her. “Go back. It’s not yet time,” she seemed to hear the gentle voice once more although there was no one and there was no sound. And Emma did. She heard one of the doctors say to her, “Welcome back.” Emma knew her life, what remained of it, was never going

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Philippine Madrigal Singers to perform in Northridge, CA Philippine Madrigal Singers in Concert on Saturday, August 19 is the long-awaited return to Los Angeles of the world-renowned prize-winning choir. The performance begins at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall at the Valley Performing Arts Center (VPAC) located at 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330. The theatre is part of CSUN, and tickets are $70, $55, and $40 online anytime at www.ticketmaster.com. Special student pricing is available only in-person at the VPAC box office, call or visit (818) 677-3000 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Tour information at www.musicartsevents.com.

AU G U ST 2 0

Philippine Madrigal Singers in Loma Linda, CA An Evening with the MADZ on Sunday, August 20 is an opportunity to hear the awardwinning first-ever two-time European Grand Prix winning choir, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, at Campus Hill Church, 11057 Hill Dr Loma Linda CA 92354. The performance is at 7 p.m. $40 General Admission, $20 Child/Student. For tickets, call Ephraim Dela Cruz at (909) 831-4225, Marjorie Ann Reyno-Huynh at (909) 965-6936 or Nemuel Enriquez at (323) 2290506.

Filipino Cultural School’s summer program graduation ceremony in Cerritos, CA The Filipino Cultural School (FCS) will be holding its graduation ceremony on Sunday, August 20, starting promptly at 1:30 pm to be held at Cerritos Park East. The graduation will celebrate and honor 100 plus students, ranging from ages 4 to 18, who have gone through this seven-week summer school program learning about the Filipino and Filipino-American culture. Graduation highlights the different lessons that the students have learned from their Dance, Music, and Halo-halo (merger class of history, language, and lifestyle) classes. The students will also be honored for their dedication and enthusiasm in learning their heritage. It will be held at the California Room of Cerritos Park East (13234 E 166th St, Cerritos, CA 90703). Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children (10 or younger). Light refreshments are included. The last day to reserve and pay for tickets is August 15 at 11 p.m. No tickets will be sold during the day of graduation. Payment options include: Checks, Cash, Credit Card, Venmo and Paypal. Ticket Reservation: http://tinyurl.com/fcsgrad2017. Please visit at filipinoculturalschool.org to learn more about the program. For any questions or concerns, contact FCS at filipinoculturalschool@gmail.com.

AU G U ST 24

FACC-SLAA’s “luau” quarterly business & professionals networking mixer in Wilmington, CA The Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce – SouthBay Los Angeles Area (FACC-SLAA) presents a “luau” quarterly business & professionals networking mixer on Thursday, August 24. Come meet other driven Filipino/Fil-Am businesspersons and professionals in a relaxed and casual atmosphere! It will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Camino de Guanajuto Restaurant, 208 W. Anaheim St., Unit C, Wilmington, CA 90744. Tickets are free for FACCSLAA members. For non-members, it’s $15 for pre-registration or $20 at the door. For more information on FACC-SLAA, please visit https://www.facebook.com/pg/FilAmChamberOfCommerceSouthBayLAArea/.

SEPTEMBER 1-4

Ramon Magsaysay (Cubao) High School international reunion in Las Vegas Come and celebrate with RMCHS alumni and guests for the third biannual international homecoming. Sing, dance, party, share precious memories and join the fun from Friday, September 1 to Monday, September 4 at The Orleans Hotel and Casino at 4500 W. Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103. Join the golf tournament in the morning of Saturday, Sept. 2 and then wear your best (black and white) for a dinner dance later that evening. Make this event an opportunity to reunite with your own batchmates, watch a show, visit tourist spots, and stroll along the Las Vegas Strip. For more information, visit the RMCHS 2017 INTL REUNION Facebook page.

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26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture in Echo Park Save the date! The 26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) hosted by Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) is back at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, October 14. Expect a whole day filled with art exhibits, entertainment, and Fil-Am vendors. More details and special guests to be announced. For more information, please visit: http://www.filamarts.org/.

O C TO B E R 2 1

NaFFAA to celebrate 20th anniversary in Washington, DC The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) turns 20 years old this year. This October, several events are being planned to celebrate this milestone, which coincides with the national observance of Filipino American History Month. They will culminate with NaFFAA’s 20th Anniversary Gala, to be held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 21. With its theme “NaFFAA 2.0: One Voice, Four Million Strong,” NaFFAA will recognize the legacy and accomplishments of the organization over the past 20 years, and highlight its comprehensive vision to unite and amplify the voices of the four million Filipinos living in the United States. “NaFFAA 2.0” represents how NaFFAA is honoring its past while forging a new forward-thinking and balanced approach in uniting, engaging, and empowering diverse Filipino American individuals and community organizations through leadership development, civic engagement, and advocacy. To learn more about NaFFAA or to purchase tickets for the 20th Anniversary Gala, please visit www. naffaa.org.

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

Remember that blockbuster film in the 1990’s “Ghost” where the merciless murderer Willie, on his way to commit another contract murder, suddenly flees the spooky, rampaging spirit of Sam whom he murdered earlier for money and is consequently run over by a car and dies on the spot? His spirit rises from his body as he realizes he is dead. His soul is instantly shackled and suctioned off screaming into the void by howling, hooded, dark, macabre, misshapen creatures rising like toxic fumes and disappearing just as suddenly from the sewers of New York City. That is, perhaps, a glimpse of what it must be like to truly die. When the other kind of NDE happens, some report that there is no concept of space or time at all. There is neither beginning nor end. Communication with beings of light or deceased relatives who may accompany the dying is telepathic. There is no sound and no need for words. Many of those who have nearly died and allowed to come back to live out the rest of their lives express a reluctance to return to their previous physical lives. But there was a strong pull, a tug from their earthly life that made them do a U-turn, at least for the time being. What is stunning is this. Nearly all those who have had an encounter with death and did come back to resume their lives claim they no longer fear death. The fear of death is no more. Death for them has become a door one must pass to enter a more beautiful, enticing reality full of love and mercy. What most have learned from their brush with death is startlingly simple. LOVE, they profess, is the most important thing in this earthly life — giving it, accepting it and learning from it. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

to be the same again. Emma is only one of several millions the world over who have come back from the edge of death, having gone through what is called NDE or Near Death Experience. Are you afraid of death? I am. I suppose so do most of humankind through most of history. In Greek mythology, the Fates represented by 3 women named, Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos determined a person’s destiny upon birth. Clotho is the spinner who spins the thread of life and Lachesis is the measurer who chooses a man’s lot in life and how long it is to be. Atropos is the most dreaded one. It is she who decided how and when a man is to die, using her large, sharp, unrelenting scissors to cut off the thread of life. No one, not even the Gods at Olympus trifled with her. Should we fear death? Stories abound that tell of those who have gone through NDE that strongly indicate that there is grace in dying. There is strong evidence of life beyond death and that the act of dying is transitioning into that life. In almost all cases of NDE, people relate of feeling weightless, floating and hovering above looking down at their own bodies and even seeing how doctors, nurses and technicians struggle to bring them back from the brink. They are literally hanging on by a thread. It is an out of body experience and that there exists a thin silver iridescent cord that still connects them to their own bodies. If that cord is cut, it means that they are now truly physically dead and that they will continue on to the afterlife with no more chance of coming back to their previous physical life. Many of those who have gone though NDE report that there is that feeling of being drawn into a tunnel. There is the presence of a strong, white, comforting light at the end of the tunnel. The light appears small and as they progress through the tunnel, it becomes a strong being of light

filled with love and compassion. Many report of meeting deceased relatives. Many go through a flashback of powerful memories like a review of their life, both good and bad. Above all, there seems to be an overwhelming feeling of release from all the constraints of their physical lives. For some, the decision to return is theirs to make. For others, the decision has already been made that their time to die hasn’t come yet and that they must go back. An unfinished business or a strong emotional attachment can make some go back and resume living. The impact of NDE is life changing. Documentation for those who have been declared clinically dead and have come back to resume living shows that those who have seen a glimpse of life beyond death undergo profound changes. Many have changed their view of life for the better. Some have a better appreciation of life becoming more kind, compassionate and considerate of others. For others, there is a renewed sense of purpose and a reordering of life’s priorities. Some have even gone on to develop a sense of spirituality convinced that their new lease on life tells them that they were made for something more. But not all stories of NDE are the same. It seems that for some on the dark side, the experience is totally different. Some report of the presence of a dark void and all the chillingly cold, negative, consuming energies of such emotions as seething anger, loathing and arrogance swirling about in a thick, dark, putrid cloud, the complete antithesis of the typical NDE experience of light. This story is more like pure horror. Just as there are good people and bad people, the nature of the near death experience seems to be a direct and proportionate result of the collective, aggregate choices each one makes through life.

Health@Heart

Superbug pandemic

to become resistant to the drugs, When they become super bugs, they are untouchable killers, PHILIP S. CHUA, unless we develop new drugs MD, FACS, FPCS effective against them. WHILE terrorism is holding Who to blame peace hostage around the world However, we cannot blame today, a more rampant but under the bacteria, who simply want to the radar killer is on the loose survive just like all living things. and becoming more widespread, We, humans, healthcare providers wiping out lives, as the medical and lay people, who abuse community helplessly battles antibiotics, are to blame. Whether this pandemic situation of super prescribed indiscriminately or bugs resistant to all drugs we purchased over the counter by currently have. Being at the mercy self-medicating individuals, the of these powerful and defiant widespread abuse of antibiotics microorganisms is a most scary make the bacteria mutate and situation. And they seem to be grow resistance to them. ahead of us. Currently, there are at least six Pneumonia and wound common pathogens that are druginfections killed hundred of resistant, Klebsiella pneumoniae, millions of people globally before E. Coli, and MRSA, and 3 global penicillin was discovered in 1928 diseases: HIV, TB and malaria. by Alexander Fleming, Professor of There are many others. Unless Bacteriology at St. Mary’s Hospital science discovers fast ways to fight in London. Today, these conditions and kill these resistant superbugs and hundreds of other infections with new drugs or methodology respond well to penicillin and and we, the people, do not abuse the other more sophisticated their use, any and all of them will antibiotics, savings hundreds of continue to kill with impunity million of lives every century... around the world. until now, with the explosion of Bacteria are on all surfaces super bugs! These microorganisms are Statistics on our skin, on our entire body. At least two million Americans They are also all around us, in all develop drug resistant infections surfaces, in our kitchen (which a year and more than 23,000 of has more bacteria than our them die, 10 million deaths a bathroom), all over our home, and year worldwide. This translates in all public areas, like escalator to $100 trillion sacrificed gross hand rails, door knobs, cabinets, national products. Most of these microwave oven door handle, scary infections occur in hospital countertops, tables, chairs, etc.. settings, but they are also noted Paper money and coins are loaded in the general community. These with bacteria. If bacteria are on could be the commonly known our skin and everywhere, why do conditions, like pneumonia or we not always get infected? wound infection, but this time The reasons are factors like caused by drug-resistant bacteria, our skin integrity. If our skin is and hence, deadly. It is like retrointact, the bacteria cannot invade transporting us back to the early us, except though our mucus 1900, the pre-penicillin era. linings (in our eyes, nose, mouth, Lessons from the past ears, anus). This is where personal While two of the most hygiene is essential. And also devastating outbreaks of the Black the tempting habit of touching Death (plague) that wiped out our face and contaminate it more than half of the population with bacteria. The other factor is of Europe in the 14th Century the type and dose (number) of killing about 75 million, leading bacteria. Even if we have a skin to the final demise of the Roman abrasion or cut, if we thoroughly Empire, was caused by two wash the affected area right away, different strains of infectious the dose of bacteria will be so agents from the black rats, one reduced our immune system can drug resistant infection today handle them to prevent infection. could kill much more around the If the dose is not reduced, then globe. we get skin infection. This is why Just like us, humans, bacteria all wounds must be washed clean are active living microorganisms, immediately after sustaining with survival “instinct,” and when them. exposed to the drugs that aim Simple handwashing to kill them, have the capacity to On the prophylactic side, the adapt by mutation and replication simple habit of washing our hands

religiously, at least eight times a day (after going to the bathroom, before and after eating or working around the house or outside) can prevent contamination and infections, eliminating the need for antibiotics. This practice can also prevent viral infections, like common cold, for which some misinformed or uninformed individuals might opt to take antibiotics. Viral infections do NOT respond to antibiotics. This is just a waste of money, and worse, it will “encourage” bacteria in our body to develop antibiotic resistance. When treated longer than necessary, even bacterial infections commonly sensitive to specific antibiotics will increase the risk of the bacteria developing resistance. Skin sanitizers Skin sanitizers, preferably with skin moisturizer, in liquid, gel or foam, are helpful in minimizing infection. Those with sixty to 95 percent alcohol are most effective Their optional use, as an added measure, is medically acceptable, except for persons who cannot tolerate their use. Dental health & heart attack Today, the association of dental health with our general health has been thoroughly researched and now very well-established. Dental or oral infection, like teeth and gum diseases, increases the risk for cardiovascular illnesses, like heart attack, stroke, etc. To preclude the need for antibiotics, our routine medical check-up should also include dental evaluation every 6 months. A caveat: never take antibiotic for any viral infection, like common cold or influenza, since viruses are not killed by antibiotics, and never take them without medical supervision. Your physician will tailor his treatment to your specific situation. Let’s all help prevent a super bug pandemic that could wipe us out of this wonderful world. *** 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

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