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

.com T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R

JUNE 23-29, 2017 Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

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Duterte: PH-wide martial law not yet needed DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Fil-Am among 7 sailors killed in US destroyer, merchant ship collision

by DANA

SIOSON

AJPress

IMPOSING military rule nationwide is presently unnecessary, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday, June 20. Duterte made the remark days after he warned that, if he declares martial law again, it would be a “copycat” of late President Ferdinand Marcos’ in

the 1970s. “Ang martial law ngayon nandito na (Martial law is already here). Whether or not I expand it to cover the entire the Philippines is something else. And at this time, it is not called for,” Duterte said in a press conference in Cagayan de Oro City. Under Proclamation No. 216, Duterte imposed martial law and suspended the privilege of the writ of ha-

beas corpus in the entire Mindanao on May 23. The declaration came following the attack of Islamic State (IS)-linked terrorists in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. “The mechanism of the habeas corpus is to prevent the terrorists to gain a foothold in the Visayas. Kasi mas doble na ang sakit (Because the impact could be worse),” the President said. He further explained, “If some of

A FILIPINO American was one of the seven sailors killed in a collision between a United States Navy destroyer and a Philippineflagged container ship last week. The Fil-Am was identified as 23year-old Carlos Victor Ganzon Sibayan from Chula Vista, CaliforCarlos Victor Ganzon Sibayan nia. Sibayan, whose father retired after 21 years in the Navy, was remembered by friends and family as a leader and “sweet.” “He (Sibayan) was the father figure of our family as our father was deployed for 21 years straight. And I just want people to know how

Coach Freddie Roach and Manny Pacquiao AJPress file photo by Robert Macabagdal

Bring back old self, Roach tells Pacquiao

PAGE A4

Homeland Security rescinds Obama-era protection for immigrant parents Citizenship prospects of undocumented parents threatened THE United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary John F. Kelly signed a memorandum on Thursday, June 15, revoking a program that would have offered a pathway to citizenship for immigrant parents of U.S. legal permanent residents or citizens. The program — called the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) — was introduced by former President Barack Obama in 2014 after the success of his landmark Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which provided benefits for undocumented youth. In 2015, a federal court blocked DAPA and since then, it has never been formally executed. According to a press release from the PAGE A3

the terrorists are there, I need to pick them up immediately and then find out if they are really a threat. If not, then we will release them immediately. But if they are confirmed terrorists, I do not have the time to apply for a judicial warrant or a warrant of arrest, just because we cannot agree with each other.” Based on the Philippine ConstituPAGE A2

MORALE BOOSTER. President Rodrigo Duterte checks the condition of the wounded soldiers confined at Camp Edilberto Evangelista Station Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City on Tuesday, June 20. Malacañang photo by Richard Madelo

WITH the much-awaited “Australia’s biggestever” fight on July 2 just around the corner, coach Freddie Roach is encouraging Manny Pacquiao to bring out his old self and go for a knockout win against Jeff Horn. Roach believes that Pacquiao’s new-found devotion to the Bible has made him less aggressive compared to his previous fights. “I would love to see him get his killer instinct back and go for the knockout. I know we haven’t done that in a long time and the Bible has a lot to do with that, and it’s very tough to argue with the Bible,” Roach recently told radio host Jenna J. “I wish he would just go back to his old self, because he was a really hot product when he was PAGE A2

Tourist arrivals increasing amid Marawi City crisis UNWTO head tells the world: ‘Experience PH’ by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE number of tourists visiting the Philippines continues to rise despite the ongoing crisis in Marawi City, according to the country’s Department of Tourism (DOT). The DOT reported that a monthly average of 600,000 tourists— mostly Koreans, Americans and

Chinese — continue to visit major tourist destinations in the Philippines, particularly in Visayas, Palawan and the Ilocos region. The DOT is also expecting an increase of seven million tourist arrivals this year compared to the 5.5 million tourists last year. Speaking at the 6th United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) International ConferPAGE A3

TOURISM CONFERENCE. UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai (4th from left); Philippine Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo (5th from left); and Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III pose with other officials from other countries during the opening ceremony of the 6th UNWTO International Conference on Tourism Statistics at the Resorts World Manila on Wednesday, June 21. More than 200 delegates from across the globe are tackling policy initiatives on developing measurement and benchmarks for sustainable tourism from June 21-24. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

PH, Indonesia and Malaysia heighten cooperation against terrorism Overseas remittances not covered by PH tax reform

PARTNERS FOR PEACE AND SECURITY. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano (second from left), Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Malaysia Foreign Minister Dato’ Sri Anifah Aman join hands with members of their respective delegations during the Trilateral Meeting on Security in Pasay City on Thursday, June 22. ManilaTImes.net photo by russell Palma

THE governments of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia have agreed to boost their cooperation against terrorism and violent extremism that continues to threaten the region. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Allan Peter Cayetano met with his Indonesian and Malaysian counterparts on Thursday, June 22, amid the Philippine government’s fight against the Islamic State (IS)-inspired Maute group in Marawi City. “We don’t want that to happen in Southeast Asia nor anywhere else in the

world. But the reality is while ISIS loses ground in Iraq and Syria, some of these jihadists, extremists will be looking for land bases outside Iraq and Syria,” Cayetano said. Expressing concern over the recent terror activities in the region, the three countries have agreed for intensified trilateral efforts to repel extremists and prevent them from making any part of the area a base for their operations. The three countries also agreed to enhance their inPAGE A4

by JENNIFER

SORIANO

AJPress

REMITTANCES sent by Filipinos abroad to their families in the Philippines will not be taxed under the tax reform package being pushed by the government, the Department of Finance (DOF) clarified on Wednesday, June 21 during the Senate panel hearing on the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP). DOF Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua said that the Philippines does not have the right to impose tax money sent by Filipinos from other countries since the government has no legal jurisdiction over these remittances. The undersecretary said he made this clarification since there were erroneous reports claiming overseas remittances would be taxed under the first package of the governPAGE A2

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june 23-29, 2017 • OC/Ie ASIAn jOuRnAL

Bring back old self, Roach tells... PAGE A1 knocking people out,” he added. Pacquaio’s last KO victory was in 2009 over Miguel Cotto. The 12 fights since then were either losses or victories via decision. “The thing is, people like knockouts in boxing and Manny has lost a lot of his crowd because he hasn’t knocked anyone

out in such a long time. I think he needs to get back to that, and I would love to see him do that, and this is the perfect fight to do it in,” the multi-awarded cornerman continued. For his supporters, Pacquiao’s age is also a factor in his performance. The 38-year-old announced early this year that he is set to retire by the end of 2017

From the Front Page

after 67 pro fights spanning 22 years. “I never thought Pacquiao would still be around when I got my world title shot. He is getting a bit older, I am still young. I am ready to take this shot and I am ready to take it off Pacquiao,” Horn said about Pacquiao. However, Roach remains optimistic that Pacquaio will end his boxer career with victories, beginning with his upcoming fight with Horn. “I know he can do it again if I press the right button and get him to fire up,” concludes Roach. (With reports from Jennifer Soriano/AJPress)

Overseas remittances... PAGE A1 ment’s tax reform program contained in House Bill 5636. “We have to distinguish between the foreign and the domestic remittances. Those coming from abroad are not within our tax regime, so that is not [covered],” Chua told the Senate panel. The DOF undersecretary added that the CTRP would only have jurisdiction over local remittances. However, Chua said that the tax on money sent by Filipinos abroad would depend on the existing local laws of the country of origin. In February this year, a proposal to increase the value-added tax (VAT) on the service fee of money remittance centers was strongly opposed by overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs) and some partylist lawmakers. In a statement, DOF spokesperson Asec. Paola Alvarez clarified the service of remittance centers will only be taxed and not the actual amount remitted by the sender. “The VAT is on service, not the remittance amount. For instance, if sending 4,000 pesos, the money transfer center charges 100 pesos, and the VAT is 12 pesos, or only 0.3% of the remittance amount,” Alvarez explained. The current administration is pushing for a reform of the country’s tax system to finance the series of infrastructure projects planned in the next few years.

HOT SHIRTS. Personnel of the Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines fold shirts that were printed to uplift the morale and raise funds for soldiers fighting the Maute Group in Marawi City. The shirts are being sold for P150 each. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan

Duterte: PH-wide martial law... PAGE A1

tion, Duterte’s proclamation is valid for 60 days, unless extended by the Congress. The proclamation can also be invalidated if the Supreme Court (SC) rules in favor of pending petitions against it. Earlier on Saturday, June 17, Duterte said he’ll respect the high court’s decision if it ruled against martial law in Mindanao. The President, however, warned that if he needed to impose military rule again, he would no longer consult anybody. “If anything goes wrong, magdeclare ako ng martial law ulit (I will declare martial law again), the second time around, if the people suffer, bombings ganon (for example), ‘di na ko makikinig maski kanino (I will not listen to anyone),” Duterte said. He went on to say, “If that rebellion burns Mindanao and other parts of the Philippines, and I’ll be forced to declare martial law again, this time I will do it on my own to preserve my nation. I will not consult anybody and there’s no telling when will it end. It could be a copycat of Marcos.” Marcos, the 10th president of the Philippines, placed the entire country under martial law from 1972 to 1981. The late strongman’s nine-year military rule has been considered by victims of abuses and their families as

among the darkest chapters of Philippine history. But on Monday, June 20, Malacañang said Duterte is “not referring to abuses” when he said his next martial law would be a “copycat of Marcos.” “Well, definitely the President will not be referring to abuses. He may refer to the breadth and the depth of how to impose it but I guess it’s not because of the abuses,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr. said. He also recalled that Duterte instructed the military to “ensure [that they] are able to protect and save lives.” “You can see how the military is implementing martial law now, its complete regard for human rights and IHL [International humanitarian law] and the other protocols that have been established. So if there are any complaints, we are open to receiving those complaints and acting on it immediately,” Padilla further noted. Filling up the current situation in Marawi on Wednesday, June 21, Padilla said that the city’s status “continues to improve.” “There are areas that we have not covered before that we have already overcome at this moment and the process of clearing is

what we are concentrating on in the succeeding days,” he added. ‘Not failure of intelligence’ Last week, Duterte said the Marawi crisis cannot be blamed on the government’s failed intelligence. He insisted that the government is aware that militants are stockpiling firearms and ammunition in Mindanao but did not intervene due to peace negotiations. Duterte further noted that the pro-Islamic State (IS) terrorists who attacked the city may have acquired their supply of weapons from other rebel groups, citing the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). “It was not a question of failure on the part of government. It was not a failure of intelligence. It is because we have adopted a very soft policy toward the rebels. These rebels carry firearms,” the president remarked in a speech. Duterte then blamed the government’s “very soft policy” towards rebel groups which later posed greater problems, such as the current case of the war-torn city of Marawi. The government “took [the arms deal] for granted,” he said, in hopes of getting successful peace deals with the rebel groups.

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UNWTO head tells the world... PAGE A1

ence on Tourism Statistics on Wednesday, June 21, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel II said he Philippines is experiencing a what he called “tourism renaissance.� “The Philippines is experiencing a renaissance of sorts in our tourism industry,� Pimentel remarked. “Notwithstanding the negative news of late about our country, more and more tourists are coming to experience for themselves our country’s beauty and culture,� he added. At the same time, the senator expressed confidence that more tourists will start visiting Mindanao once the crisis in the area has been fully addressed. “I am confident that once this crisis is over, we will have peace and security in the region that will result with more tourists visiting Southern Philippines,� he further said. Meanwhile, UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai encouraged individuals across the globe to visit the Philippines. “You haven’t lived if you have not experienced the Philippines,� Rifai expressed. He went on to say, “We are here to tell the world to come to the Philippines and make no mistake about it. Anybody who

Dateline USa

tries to present any other version of the story should come and see with your own eyes. All of the countries of the world that have experienced difficulties have come back and have shown their best and their beauty comes out.� The opening ceremony, which was held at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre of Resorts World Manila, was also attended by DOT Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo, Tourism Ministers from Thailand, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Fiji, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Seychelles, and 721 international and local delegates. Rifai described this year’s gathering as a “homecoming� and a milestone. The Philippines last hosted the UNWTO conference in 1980. “The world is lucky to have the Philippines. Culture, nature, upbeat people give the country so much life. The Philippines is a country to travel and respect, and its greatest gift is its people,� Rifai added. In a statement, President Rodrigo Duterte also thanked the UNWTO for choosing the Philippines as the venue for the conference. “More than just a proof that the Philippines remains a safe destination for meetings, conferences, and other tourism

activities, it also affirms the Philippines’ effort to promote tourism as a vehicle for a nation’s sustainable and inclusive progress,� he said in a statement read by Teo. During the three-day conference, tourism ministers will develop a statistical framework to integrate sustainable tourism on a global level. Sustainable tourism Continuing to promote sustainable tourism on a global level, Teo urged leaders to support tourism-related policy making. “We hope that the Manila Call for Action will be adopted at this forum to demonstrate our common resolve to create a better world for our children and future generations,� she said. Pimentel also showed his support for Teo’s call but maintained that such developments must not be “at the expense of a polluted environment, denuded forests, or displaced indigenous groups.� “Tourism is a priority development area that deserves greater attention. Focus now should not be on how much money it can contribute to government coffers but rather on how it can improve the overall well-being of people,� the senator said.

ed immigrants must have been parents to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents as of November 20, 2014. The parents must have also been residents in the U.S. before January 1, 2010, and have no criminal records. When announced, Obama’s intention with DAPA was to protect around 4 million parents from being separated from their families while also helping them secure legal work in the U.S. The press release indicated that the DACA program will still remain in effect, aligning with President Donald Trump’s promise to “take care of� them. Thursday’s revocation of the DAPA memo aligns with the administration’s stringent immigration policy. According to legal and civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice, the decision “does not come as a surprise.�

Since his inauguration, President Donald Trump has made vastly unpopular decisions when it comes to reforming the U.S. immigration system from implementing a travel ban from six Muslim-majority nations to proposing to build a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico. “The administration’s efforts to target and vilify immigrants in myriad ways, from mass deportations to the Muslim ban and the VOICe office, will not be ignored just because it is currently maintaining DACA,� Advancing Justice wrote in a press release. “We will continue to resist these policies and stand up for justice and the dignity and humanity of all people.� DACA recipients and those eligible for DACA are encouraged to know their rights and seek legal counsel when applying or renewing their DACA applications. (Klarize Medenilla/ AJ Press)

Homeland Security rescinds Obama-era... PAGE A1

DHS, Kelly consulted with Attorney General Jeff Sessions in rescinding Obama’s memorandum that created DAPA “because there is no credible path forward to litigate the currently enjoined policy.� Previously, 26 states — all of which have Republican governors — sued the Obama administration for the DAPA memo, arguing that the president does not have the authority to implement “amnesty� of that grandeur. If it were implemented, DAPA could have protected 3.7 million people from deportation, the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) estimated. According to University of Southern California (USC)’s Center for Immigrant Integration, 340,000 people in Los Angeles County would have been eligible for DAPA. In order to have been eligible for the program, undocument-

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 23-29, 2017

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5 things being weighed in secret health bill also weigh it down by Julie

RovneR Kaiser Health News

ANYONe following the debate over the “repeal and replace� of the Affordable Care Act knows the 13 Republican senators writing the bill are meeting behind closed doors. While Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) continues to push for a vote before the July 4 Senate recess, Washington’s favorite parlor game has become guessing what is, or will be, in the Senate bill. Spoiler: No one knows what the final Senate bill will look like — not even those writing it. “It’s an iterative process,� Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) told Politico, adding that senators in the room are sending options to the Congressional Budget Office to try to figure out in general how much they would cost. Those conversations between senators and the CBO — common for lawmakers working on major, complex pieces of legislation — sometimes prompt members to press through and other times to change course. Although specifics, to the extent there are any, have largely stayed secret, some of the policies under consideration have slipped out, and pressure points of the debate are fairly clear. Anything can happen, but here’s what we know so far: 1. Medicaid expansion The Republicans are determined to roll back the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. The question is, how to do it. The ACA called for an expansion of the Medicaid program for those with low incomes to everyone who earns less than 133 percent of poverty (around $16,000 a year for an individual), with the federal government footing much of the bill. The Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that the expansion was optional for states, but 31 have done so, providing new coverage to an estimated 14 million people. The Republican bill passed by the House on May 4 would phase out the federal funding for those made eligible by the ACA over two years, beginning in 2020. But Republican moderates in the Senate want a much slower end to the additional federal aid. Several have suggested that they could accept a seven-year phaseout.

Keeping the federal expansion money flowing that long, however, would cut into the bill’s budget savings. That matters: In order to protect the Senate’s ability to pass the bill under budget rules that require only a simple majority rather than 60 votes, the bill’s savings must at least match those of the House version. Any extra money spent on Medicaid expansion would have to be cut elsewhere. 2. Medicaid caps A related issue is whether and at what level to cap federal Medicaid spending. Medicaid covers more than 70 million low-income people. Medicaid covers half of all births and half of the nation’s bill for long-term care, including nursing home stays. Right now, the federal government matches whatever states spendat least 5050, and provides more matching funds for less wealthy states. The House bill would, for the first time, cap the amount the federal government provides to states for their Medicaid programs. The CBO estimated that the caps would put more of the financial burden for the program on states, who would respond by a combination of cutting payments to health care providers like doctors and hospitals, eliminating benefits for patients and restricting eligibility. The Medicaid cap may or may not be included in the Senate bill, depending on whom you ask. However, sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations say the real sticking point is not whether or not to impose a cap — they want to do that. The hurdles: how to be fair to states that get less federal money and how fast the caps should rise. Again, if the Senate proposal is more generous than the House’s

version, it will be harder to meet the bill’s required budget targets. 3. Restrictions on abortion coverage The senators are actively considering a measure that would limit funding for abortions, though it is not clear if it would be allowed to remain in the bill under the Senate’s rules. The Senate parliamentarian, who must review the bill after the senators complete it but before it comes to the floor, will decide. The House-passed bill would ban the use of federal tax credits to purchaseprivate coverage that includes abortion as a benefit. This is a key demand for a large portion of the Republican base. But the Senate version of the bill must abide by strict rules that limit its content to provisions that directly impact the federal budget. In the past, abortion language in budget bills has been ruled out of order. 4. Reading between the lines A related issue is whether House language to temporarily bar Planned Parenthood from participating in the Medicaid program will be allowed in the Senate. While the parliamentarian allowed identical language defunding Planned Parenthood to remain in a similar budget bill in 2015, it was not clear at the time that Planned Parenthood would have been the only provider affected by the language. Planned Parenthood backers say they will argue to the parliamentarian that the budget impact of the language is “merely incidental� to the policy aim and therefore should not be allowed in the Senate bill. 5. Insurance market reforms Senators are also struggling with provisions of the HousePAGE A4

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Trumpcare bill could slash nearly 1-M jobs New report released amid overwhelming disapproval of AHCA The American health Care Act (AhCA) isn’t doing so hot with Americans. Since its introduction in May— two months after the first draft of the AhCA famously failed to pass—Americans of all political leanings have panned the GOP’s answer to former President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. The greatest change that the AhCA brings is a whopping $1.1 trillion reduction in federal funding for public health care — a change that puts many working class families at a disadvantage. A new report released on Wednesday, June 14 by The Commonwealth Fund found that while the AhCA (nicknamed Trumpcare) would bolster the economy and boost employment at first, it wouldn’t last in the long run. The GOP’s core selling point of the AhCA involves the repealing of several taxes imposed by Obamacare. This reduction in taxes would temporarily raise the federal deficit and create up to 864,000 more jobs in 2018. however, researchers predict that by 2026, about 924,000 people would lose their jobs, with about 725,000 of those jobs belonging to the health care sector. health care jobs are essential in economic maintenance in the U.S., with hospitals and clinics providing a major portion of jobs. health care makes up about 18 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), and a major cut to federal funding to health care could be fiscally detrimental, according to the report. “health funds directly pay hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other providers; this is the direct effect of federal funding,” the report read. “These facilities use revenue to pay their employees and buy goods and services, such as rent

or equipment; this is the indirect effect of the initial spending.” The study also found economic disadvantages attached to the GOP health care bill: gross state products (the total value of a state’s exports) would reduce to $93 billion and business output would decrease by $148 billion. One of the biggest casualties would be the income-based program Medicaid, which 70 million Americans rely on for their health care. Because of the major cuts to the public health care sector, Medicaid would be forced to seize expansions of the program. “The AhCA significantly reduces federal funding for Medicaid. It lowers federal match funding for the 31 states and District of Columbia that expanded Medicaid, encouraging them to discontinue their expansions,” Wednesday’s report read. earlier this month, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the AhCA would drastically increase the number of uninsured Americans under the age of 65 by 14 million in 2018. By 2023, that number would reach 23 million. “Over time, it would become more difficult for less healthy people (including people with preexisting medical conditions) in those states to purchase insurance because their premiums would continue to increase rapidly,” the CBO wrote in their findings. Because of all these swift changes to the American health care system, the AhCA has garnered an overwhelmingly unpopular reputation, according to various polls. Just after the AhCA passed the house on May 11, a POLITICO/Morning Consultant poll that surveyed nearly 2,000 registered voters found that 38 percent of Americans approve of the AhCA,

an approval rating that dropped four points from the week before. That same day, Quinnapiac University released a poll that found that only 21 percent of Americans approve of the GOP health care bill. That poll — which surveyed 1,000 registered voters — found that disapproval was consistent across all demographic groups: race, gender, age, political party and education level. According to a YouGov poll that surveyed 1,000 Republicans, Democrats and Independents in May, only about 31 percent of Americans favor the AhCA; in comparison, 45 percent favored the ACA. Senate to decide AHCA’s fate The Republican-majority house of Representatives passed the AhCA on May 24 in a narrow 217-213 vote, giving the Senate a green light to vote on it. The AhCA barely made it past the Republican-majority house, but members of the Senate have expressed assertions that it will not pass in their chamber of Congress. Should all Democrats in the Senate vote against the AhCA, the GOP could only afford to lose two Republican votes. But Republicans senators who are against the AhCA have expressed that they would rather negotiate with pro-AhCA congressmen by drafting their own health care bill. “The safest thing to say is there will be a Senate bill, but it will look at what the house has done and see how much of that we can incorporate in a product that works for us in reconciliation,” Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Missouri) said as quoted by the Washington examiner. There is no set date scheduled for the Senate to vote on the current incarnation of the AhCA, as of press time. (Klarize Medenilla/ AJ Press)

5 things being weighed in secret health... PAGE A1 passed bill that would allow states to waive certain insurance requirements in the Affordable Care Act, including those laying out “essential” benefits that policies must cover, and those banning insurers from charging sicker people higher premiums. That language, as well as an amendment seeking to ensure more funding to help people

with preexisting conditions, was instrumental in gaining enough votes for the bill to pass the house. eliminating insurance regulations imposed by the ACA are a top priority for conservatives. “Conservatives would like to clear the books of Obamacare’s most costly regulations and free the states to regulate their markets how they wish,”wrote Sen. Mike

RIZAL DAY. Members of the Rizalista movement pay tribute to Jose Rizal at his monument in Jose Rizal park in Manila City to mark the national hero’s 156th birthday anniversary on Monday, June 19. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

Washington alarmed over IS threats, wants ‘bigger role’ in Marawi operations Washington alarmed over IS threats, wants ‘bigger role’ in Marawi operations

The government of the United States expressed alarm over the growing presence of jihadis in Southeast Asia amid the ongoing battle between the Philippine troopers and Islamic State (IS)-inspired rebels in Marawi City, Mindanao. The U.S. government has been providing support to the Philippine troopers in Marawi but Malacañang said it was only limited to “technical assistance” and “does not involve any boots on the ground.” Duterte’s spokesperson, ernesto Abella, explained in an earlier statement that the Philippine Constitution prohibits foreign troops from directly participating in combat operations. But according to a report by The Associated Press, U.S. lawmakers are pushing Washington to have a “bigger role” in helping the Philippines contain extremists, citing fears

that Marawi City could become a new hub for Islamist fighters in the region. “I don’t know that ISIS are directing operations there but they are certainly trying to get fighters into that region,” U.S. Senator Joni ernst (R-Iowa) was quoted saying in an AP report. ISIS refers to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. “We need to address the situation. It should not get out of control,” ernst added. In a press briefing on Tuesday, June 20, Abella was asked if Malacañang is open to the idea of U.S. troopers joining the actual combat operations in Marawi. Responding to the question, Abella pointed out that the Philippine military “has already preempted the Maute group from establishing a wilayat or [IS] province” in Mindanao. “Well, at this stage, I suppose

we’ll have to take the position that it’s unlikely for Marawi to become a new hub for IS fighters, ” Abella said. Last year, Duterte said he intends the Philippines to be “free from foreign troops.” Abella, however, took note that Duterte has already “accepted the situation” wherein the Philippine government needs the assistance of the United States, its decades-long ally, in squashing terror threats in the country. On May 23, IS-linked Maute terrorists attacked Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, prompting the Philippine president to impose military rule through the Mindanao region. As the confrontation enters its fifth week, authorities recorded deaths of about 26 civilians and 65 government forces, while an unknown number remains trapped in the area. (Dana Sioson / AJPress)

Lee (R-Utah), who is one of the 13 senators negotiating the details of the bill, in an op-ed in May. however, budget experts suggest that none of the insurance market provisions is likely to clear the parliamentarian hurdle as being primarily budget-related. (This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially PAGE A1 independent program of the Kai- amazing he was,” Sibayan’s ser Family Foundation.) brother, Vince, told ANC. Other victims were identified as Dakota Kyle Rigsby, 19, from Palmyra, Virginia; Shingo Alexander Douglass, 25, from San Diego, California; Ngoc T Truong huynh, 25, from Oakville, Connecticut; Noe hernandez, 26, from Weslaco, Texas; Xavier Alec Martin, 24, from halethorpe, Maryland; and Gary Leo Rehm Jr., 37, from elyria, Ohio. early on Saturday, June 17, the 505-foot-long guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald collided with the 732-foot ACX Crystal off the Izu peninsula located southwest of Tokyo, Japan. ACX Crystal is a Philippine- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) returns to Fleet registered container ship but is Activities (FLEACT) Yokosuka following a collision with a merchant vessel while operating chartered by Japanese shipping southwest of Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Peter Burghart company Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK). According to above and below the water line, fairs (DFA) confirmed that all the NYK, it is owned by Dainichi-In- causing significant damage and 20 Filipino crew of the ACX Crysvest Corporation. associated flooding to two berth- tal were safe and unharmed by Data from Marine Traffic web- ing spaces, a machinery space, the mishap. site suggests that the ACX Crystal and the radio room,” U.S. 7th “The ACX Crystal, a Philippinemade a 180-degree turn close to Fleet said in a statement. flagged vessel, was being manned 1:30 am. Acting Secretary of the U.S. by 20 Filipino crew including the The reason for the immediate Navy Sean Stackley lamented the captain. They are safe. The ship turn, however, is still under inves- loss of lives in the wake of the itself was slightly damaged from tigation. tragedy. he also vowed a “full” the incident,” the DFA said. Initially, the Japanese Coast investigation into the matter. The Philippine government also Guard said the collision occurred “We are all deeply saddened by promised to provide assistance to at 2:20 a.m but later revised it to the tragic loss of our fellow ship- the Filipino seamen affected by 1:30 a.m. The U.S. 7th Fleet, on mates as a result of Friday’s colli- the incident. the other hand, maintained that sion between USS Fitzgerald and On Tuesday, June 20, the sevthe incident occurred at 2:20 a commercial container ship, and en victims’ bodies were flown a.m. our thoughts and prayers are with back to the U.S. The U.S. Navy said the seven their families,” Stackley said. “Fitzgerald 7 are headed victims were found dead in floodhe added that the Navy will home; just left Japan…#FITZ ed berthing compartments of the “fully investigate the cause of the crew, family on hand to say USS Fitzgerald. tragedy.” goodbye,” Commander US Na“The collision affected FitzgerOn the other hand, the Philip- val Forces Japan said on Twitter. ald’s forward starboard side pine Department of Foreign Af- (Dana Sioson/AJPress)

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telligence and information sharing on “potential, imminent and real threats.” “In the past, terrorists maintain a sense of self-preservation unlike today. It is far more difficult to stop people who are willing to die. Now, secondly, technology has enabled terrorism to spread their message faster and more promptly than ever before,” Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi said. Marsudi stressed that it is “incumbent” on the government “to embark on taking concrete actions” in beefing up its security measures. earlier this week, on Monday, June 19, the three countries launched joint maritime patrols on their respective borders as part of enhancing regional security to halt the movements of Islamic jihadists. According to Armed Forces

of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, the joint patrols are also aimed to address piracy and lawlessness across the waters. “More than that is the movement of personnel bound from one country to another who are fugitives of their own laws and seeking haven in these parts of these different countries as well as providing assistance to the groups of jihadists in these areas,” Padilla said. Apart from resolving terrorism issues, the joint patrols are also seen to boost business confidence in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). In a statement, the Board of Investments (BOI) in the ARMM said the development would help in ensuring the security of traders in the ARMM and in Malaysia and Indonesia. “This trilateral maritime pa-

trol is an important development for the ARMM because people from our island provinces have been doing crossborder trade since time immemorial and even before there were borders to cross,” Ishak Mastura, chairperson of the BOI-ARMM, said. While saying that insurgencies and banditry did not stop the traditional cross-border trade, Matsura admitted that the “international transshipment was affected by it.” “By conducting trilateral border patrols we believe that transshipment, wherein bigger volumes of cargoes are safely moved among the three countries, can make a comeback,” he added. ARMM Gov. Mujiv hataman also welcomed the development in the region, saying it will “shore up trade and commerce” in this area. (Dana Sioson/AJPress)

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 23-29, 2017

D ateline PhiliPPines Binay reconciles with former

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Makati vice mayor Mercado by AJPress After years of a strained relationship, former Vice President Jejomar Binay has reconciled with former Makati City ViceMayor ernesto Mercado. In the wake of finding a new “guide,” Binay said he was able to mend his torn relationship with Mercado. the two used to be political allies but their relationship allegedly started to turn sour during the 2010 elections when Binay did not endorse Mercado as their party’s Makati mayoral candidate. Instead of Mercado, Binay pushed for his son, Junjun, to run for the city’s top post. the younger Binay won the polls and took over. the rift between Binay and Mercado, however, didn’t get any better in the following years. Binay filed a damage suit against Mercado and several others in 2015 for conspiring to malign his reputation. Mercado, meanwhile, has testified in several corruption hearings against Binay and his family. In an television interview, Binay narrated how he spent more time reading the Bible after los-

Former Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay and former Makati City Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado

ing in the 2016 presidential elections. Binay said he always encountered the word “forgiveness,” prompting him to fix his relationship with Mercado. “I’m closer to God because I’m beginning to know more about Him,” Binay told ABS-CBN. In its report dated Monday, June 19, ABS-CBN said Binay and Mercado recently met at a certain restaurant in Makati and reconciled. “Sa tingin ko parehas kami masaya na finally nakabalik kami sa dati naming masarap na samahan. Kaya sabi naman namin basta tayong dalawang nagkapa-

tawaran na. (I think we were both happy that our good relationship is finally back. We can both say that we already forgave each other),” Mercado remarked. Mercado also vowed that he would not run for political office anymore. Binay, on the other hand, said he would concentrate in reading the Holy Scripture. “Magcoconcentrate na lang muna ako sa bible. tuwangtuwa nga yung mga kakilala ko na hindi na ako war-freak, wala na (For now, I will concentrate in the Bible. Actually, people who know me are fascinated that I’m no longer a war freak),” Binay said.

Duterte urged to send envoy to Vatican Former ambassador hopes successor will continue to look after OFWs

to signify that the Philippines gives importance to its diplomatic relations with other nations, former Philippine Ambassador to the Vatican Henrietta de Villa is encouraging President rodrigo Duterte to appoint an envoy to the Holy See. retired Ambassador to the Vatican Mercedes tuason was the last one to hold the position. through the intercession of Cardinal Gaudencio rosales, tuason was appointed the post in october 2009 by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Because of her credentials and good standing, she held the position until the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III before her retirement. tuason is also a staunch ad-

vocate of the welfare of overseas filipino workers (ofws). She hopes that her replacement would devote his or her time to continue looking after ofws. In an interview by Business Mirror, she shared how she enjoyed her post as an ambassador to the point of working even on Saturdays and Sundays for the sake of face-to-face encounters with the ofws. “I loved meeting the Holy father and going to ofws’ functions, where we enjoy their party during their days-off,” tuason said. tuazon also shared Pope francis’ fondness of the unique filipinos trait of caring for the elderly. “the Holy father said, ‘I re-

ally like the filipinos because they take care of the old, unlike other countries who send their olds to nursery homes. Not the filipinos,’” tuason said, quoting Pope francis. According to Italy’s statistics office, the Istituto Nazionale di Statistica, there are approximately 113,686 documented filipinos living in the country. More than half of this population or 63 percent, are women who work as domestic assistants. Moreover, according to the Philippine Department of Labor and employment (DoLe), there are around 60 filipino organizations in Italy, most of which are church-based. filipinos comprise the fourthPAGE A7

NO TO MARTIAL LAW. Protesters in Iloilo City call for the lifting of martial law, warning of abuses and human rights violations Anti-martial law petitioners urged the Supreme Court on Monday to stand its ground and safeguard the public’s fundamental liberties against “whimsical or arbitrary imposition of martial law.” Inquirer.net photo by Nestor Burgos

Napoles wants ‘Napolist’ excluded from plunder trial by AJPress BuSINeSSwoMAN Janet Lim Napoles does not want her 2014 affidavits to be used as evidence against her in the multi-million pork barrel scam case. on tuesday, June 20, Napoles filed a motion asking the Sandiganbayan first Division to exclude her affidavits, dated May 12, 2014 and May 26, 2014, from the trial of detained senator ramon “Bong” revilla Jr. revilla is facing plunder and graft charges over the alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance fund (PDAf), more known as pork barrel. the first day of revilla’s trial was scheduled on thursday, June 22, with Napoles as his codefendant. In the said affidavits, Napoles, who is also the alleged mastermind of the scam, tagged more than 100 lawmakers she made transactions with in connection with the scam. Citing her right against self-incrimination, Napoles requested the anti-graft court to remove the so-called “Napolist” from the prosecution’s evidence. Likewise, she maintained that the prosecution must not present a witness to testify to the authenticity of her list. “the presentation of the alleged affidavit dated 12 May 2014 and Sworn Statement dated

Janet Lim Napoles

26 May 2014 would definitely violate accused’s right against selfincrimination as the affidavits contain statements and narration of facts that will incriminate the herein accused in the present case,” Napoles said. In her motion, Napoles pointed out that she only made the affidavits to support her application as a state witness in the case. ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, however, rejected the application, pointing out that Napoles, as the alleged brain of the scam, seemed to be the most guilty in the case. Citing republic Act No. 6981, Napoles took note that “if a person who applied in the witness Protection Program (wPP) was later on denied of his application in the program, any sworn statement or other testimony he executed in such application shall not be admissible.”

“the office of the ombudsman and DoJ (Department of Justice) denied the application of the Accused to be a state witness. Such being the case, any sworn statement or other testimony executed by the Accused in view of such application shall not be admitted in any proceeding,” she stressed. Napoles further noted that her affidavit was only given to thenJustice Secretary Leila de Lima. “Having said that, the authenticity of any copies of sworn statements executed by the herein accused produced by any other agency aside from the Department of Justice (DoJ) is doubtful,” she added. Apart from revilla and Napoles, Jinggoy estrada and Juan Ponce enrile are also charged with plunder and graft raps in connection with the anomaly.

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OpiniOn

Features

One for Marawi

MILITARY operations against the Maute terror group in Marawi City continues to rage on. After four weeks of clashes, the conflict has claimed the lives of 59 soldiers, three policemen, 26 civilians, 257 Islamic State (IS)-linked gunmen. More than 300,000 have fled the city while 200 were left behind, either trapped or captured as hostages in the battle zone. The damage wrought by the siege to properties and infrastructures has already reached more than P300 million. Marawi City Mayor Majul U. Gandamra also cited the adverse effects of the crisis to its residents such as displacement, loss of livelihood and educational opportunities, damage to properties, health and environmental hazards, trauma, divide and renewal of mistrust. The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) has reported that 69,296 families or 338,536 persons have been displaced by the armed conflict. Given the extent of the damages and the number of people affected, the national government must now focus on rehabilitation and peacebuilding efforts. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director Ricardo Jalad vowed that rehabilitation will begin as soon as terrorists are flushed out form the city. Jalad added that it would be faster compared to the recovery efforts after super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) devastated the Visayas in 2013. “Right now, we are still focusing on the re-

sponse. We will do that as soon as Marawi is cleared. We will deploy rapid damage and needs assessment teams,” Jalad said. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the national government allocated P10 billion for the rehabilitation of Marawi under the “Bangon Marawi” program. Under the program, affected persons could avail emergency shelter assistance for the repair of the homes and cash-for-work and livelihood assistance. While it is readying government efforts, Malacañang called on Filipinos to unite as a nation amid the ongoing hostilities in Marawi led by the Maute group, which have left scores dead, including government troops and innocent civilians. “Our sovereignty is being confronted and I believe it’s time to set aside petty politics and the things that separate us. It’s really high time and I believe it’s a call to the Filipino nation to be able to stand together as one,” Abella said. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson Brigadier General Restituto Padilla Jr. described the conflict in Marawi City as a “fight between good and evil.” “We must all work together, issue out a unit-

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

ed and collective public condemnation of all these things that are happening in Marawi now and join hands together in resisting the entry of this evil force because this is no longer a simple matter. It’s already a fight between good and evil and you must all realize that by now,” he said. The late Sir Winston Churchill once said that “if the human race wishes to have a prolonged

and indefinite period of material prosperity, they have only got to behave in a peaceful and helpful way toward one another.” Misconstruction and cross-cultural ignorance are among the main causes of war. While modernization demolishes geographical barriers and moves the world toward amalgamated economy, clashes among cultures can have a damaging impact on world peace. (AJPress)

A big majority of Americans disapprove of Trump’s response to the Russia investigation IF PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP The Fil-Am truly wants to win Perspective the trust and support of most Americans, and not just his most loyal fan base, then he should listen Gel SantoS-ReloS to the voice of most Americans who do not approve of the way he has been responding to the probe that investigates the alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. According to the latest poll by CBS News, 63 percent of Americans disapprove of Trump’s response to the Russia investigation, with a third of Americans expressing that his handling of the Russia probe has worsened their opinion of him. This could even factor in a dip of Trump’s job approval rating. The president now has only 36 percent

With Due Respect aRtemio V. PanGaniban ON June 13, 14 and 15, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on three consolidated petitions challenging the validity of Proclamation No. 216 “DECLARING A STATE OF MARTIAL LAW AND SUSPENDING THE PRIVILEGE OF THE WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS IN THE WHOLE OF MINDANAO” (all caps in original). Protecting the nation. Constitutionally understood and implemented, martial law (ML) and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus (suspension) need not be feared. Verily, they are designed as temporary measures to assist the President in protecting the nation from devastation or dismemberment. Unfortunately, President Ferdinand Marcos misused ML and the suspension to perpetuate himself in power, to loot the treasury, and to deprive our people of their basic rights to life, liberty and property without due process of law. To prevent a repetition of these excesses, the 1987 Constitution limited the grounds to only two: “invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it,” and obligated both

approval rating, compared to the late April polling of CBS News when he had a 41 percent approval rating among Americans. The CBS News poll further reveals that most people in both parties — 56 percent — have expressed confidence in Special Counsel Robert Mueller as the head of the independent team investigating the Trump-Russia connection. They believe the investigation will be impartial and that Trump should not attempt to stop it. This study should be an eye-opener for the president that what he has been doing is self-destructive. If he has nothing to hide, then he should let Mueller and the U.S. intelligence community do their job in getting to the bottom of this, instead of denigrating and undermining the inves-

tigation, the investigators, the U.S. intelligence agencies who are doing their job for the safety and security of the country. What is also hard to fathom is why President Trump, who claims to take seriously his obligation to protect the United States of America, appears to be more concerned about his own image and interests than Russia’s attack against the democracy of the United States. During Press Secretary Sean Spicer’s press briefing on Tuesday, June 20, he could not categorically answer the question as to whether Trump agrees Russia has interfered in the 2016 presidential election. It is a fact supported by the findings of the U.S. Intelligence community and by both sides of the political aisle in the U.S. House and Senate Intelligence Committees. Spicer said he and the president have not talked about this issue yet. Seriously?

This corroborates the statement of Trump’s own Attorney General Jeff Sessions who, in his testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee, said under oath that he “did not recall” any meeting whereby the president expressed concern or even curiosity about Russia’s meddling the election last year. Really? To top off Trump’s lack of interest in Russia’s assault on our democratic institutions: he fired FBI Chief James Comey, who then delivered a testimony under oath before the Senate Intelligence Committee. Among other revealing testimonies, Comey said Trump never once asked him about Russia’s meddling in the U.S. election in the context of national security up until he fired Comey in early May. President Donald Trump should not just listen to those who approve of him and think the Russia investigation is not serious.

He should not just listen to those who believe in him blindly when he plays the victim role, tweeting that this is “the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history.” He should not just listen to his Cabinet members who praise, glorify and give him the highest honors during meetings in front of television cameras. These members should have the testicular fortitude to speak the truth to him and advise him of which actions are not helping his cause. The American people deserve, expect, and demand transparency and accountability from public officials, especially from the President of the United States. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Win-win decision on martial law

the Congress and the Supreme Court to check, and if needed, to nullify the proclamation/suspension. Specifically, it mandated the Court to “review, in an appropriate proceeding filed by any citizen, the sufficiency of the factual basis of the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ or the extension thereof and must promulgate its decision thereon within thirty days from its filing.” Main issue. In an advisory to the parties dated June 12, 2017, the Court listed 10 issues. But the key issue, I think, is whether there is “factual basis” to show “actual,” not just threatened or anticipated or imagined, rebellion; and if so, whether the rebellion is of such magnitude as to justify covering “the whole of Mindanao.” Citing Art. 134 of the Revised Penal Code, Proclamation 216 itself provides the answer: The “Maute terrorist group” has actually taken up arms against the government, “burned down certain government and private facilities and inflicted casualties…, and started flying the flag of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in several areas, thereby openly attempting to remove from the allegiance to the Philippine Government this part of Mindanao and deprive the Chief Executive of his powers and prerogatives to enforce the laws of

the land and to maintain public order and safety in Mindanao, constituting the crime of rebellion.” Separately, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Gen. Eduardo Año briefed the justices with confidential information on the uprising during an executive session. Decision for future. During the orals, the petitioners were hard put to deny the existence of actual rebellion, at the very least in Marawi City. The extensive daily media coverage of the prolonged fighting depicts the determined attempt of the “terrorist groups” to take over a portion of Philippine territory and to deprive the President of his powers to enforce our laws there. Moreover, there is a legal presumption that the official duty of the President has been regularly performed. On the petitioners lay the burden of proof to show the opposite, i.e., that he gravely abused his discretion in making his factual finding. That the acts complained of amount to “terrorism” is of no moment, provided they also constitute, as Solicitor General Jose C. Calida argued they do, the elements of the crime of rebellion as defined by the Revised Penal Code. At bottom, I believe that even if the petitioners—led by Rep. Edcel C. Lagman—fail in their bid to nullify Proclamation 216,

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation No. 216 “Declaring a State of Martial Law and Suspending The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus in the Whole of Mindanao.” Malacañang photo

they would still have served the public interest for affording the Court the precious opportunity to define the parameters of ML under the 1987 Constitution. Indeed, a comprehensive and clear decision will guide our of-

ficials on the constitutional way to impose and implement ML (whether in Marawi only, or in the “whole of Mindanao,” the Visayas, Luzon, or in the entire country), to safeguard our people’s rights when the privilege

of the writ of habeas corpus is suspended, and to exorcise the feared abuses and excesses. Crafted with this valuable teaching, the decision would be a landmark win-win for all. (Inquirer.net)

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. ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board

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Dateline PhiliPPines

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 23-29, 2017

P46-M ‘accidentally withdrawn’ due to BPI glitch, executive admits AT least P46 million worth in bank deposits were “accidentally withdrawn” during the breakdown in the system of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) from June 6 to 8, an official has disclosed. BPI President Cezar Consing revealed this in the investigation at the House of Representatives to determine why the bank’s Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), online and mobile banking all went offline and an average of P7,000 worth of deposits were deducted from each BPI client’s bank account. “P46 million were mistakenly withdrawn due to the mispostings. Most of these outstanding mistaken withdrawals belong to merchants, small businesses, and

we are making arrangements with them to settle,” Consing said at the inquiry by the Committee on Banks and Financial Intermediaries led by Representative Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar. “Most, if not all of them [merchants]agreed to settle,” Consing added. The BPI was able to fix the glitch in 37 hours and extended its banking hours by three hours and opened its branches on the whole day of Saturday, June 10, to accommodate the BPI account holders wishing to access their cash in bank and address other concerns such as accidental withdrawals. The breakdown in the system was caused by a programmer who

had to perform a task in the system since her immediate supervisor was on leave at that time. “It was a human error, your honors, a lapse in judgment. She [BPI employee] was immediately forthcoming, owned up that it was her fault. There are other factors that contributed to that, such as the absence of the supervisor who is the authorizing officer,” Consing said. “There was a standing officer [for the one of leave], but he was not familiar with the system and asked the programmer to call the supervisor. The programmer did not call and proceeded to do what Supt. Marvin Marcos (hand raised) and other police officers charged with killing Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. at a preliminary investigation she thought was a better way to do hearing in the Department of Justice last December. Inquirer.net file photo the task,” Consing added. (ManilaTimes.net)

NAIA steps up security, now wields high-powered firearms AFTER a report alleged that some 200 members of the Police Aviation Security Group assigned to the four terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) are unarmed, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has equipped the country’s main gateways with high-powered firearms. MIAA general manager Ed Manuel confirmed that security personnel manning the NAIA terminals are now equipped with “high-powered” firearms. The MIAA-commissioned private security personnel are armed with shotguns, automatic machine guns and high-powered rifles, and are assigned to roam around airport premises using a buddy system. Manuel further clarified that there are “no imminent threats” and this a matter of a precautionary measure in light of the

Marawi siege and the Resorts World Manila attack. A recent report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) revealed that security and safety issues caused the ranking of the Philippines to slide down in travel competitiveness. In the 2017 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, the Philippines slid five places down to the 79th spot out of 136 countries. It received a total score of 3.6, out of the 14 pillars considered. The Philippines’ lowest rank was on safety and security, landing at the 126th place in the category. The country’s Department of Tourism (DOT), however, remains optimistic that the ranking would eventually improve. “Well, as you know, with martial law it’s becoming safe. We’re all struggling to make sure that it becomes even safer and right now we’re seeing that we’re meeting

those expectations,” said Tourism Assistant Secretary Ricky Alegre. The Palace downplayed the WEF report, citing that the country’s tourist arrivals increased in the first three months of this year. According to the latest data from the DOT, tourist arrivals during the 1st quarter improved to almost 1.8 million, compared to the 1.6 million of the same period last year. “Well, you know, contrary to the WEF report, tourism businesses are exposed to security risks. In spite of that, foreign tourists continue to increase steadily,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a Palace briefing. Apart from security, NAIA’s developments include airport congestion and aesthetic improvements at Terminal 1. (Jennifer Soriano/AJPress)

Duterte urged to send envoy...

PAGE A5 largest migrant community in Italy, after the Romanian, Albanian, and North African communities. Meanwhile, former Philippine Ambassador to the Vatican Henrietta de Villa is also hoping that the president will soon appoint an envoy to the Holy See. “I’m hoping and praying that we will soon have a Philippine Ambassador to the Vatican,” said De Villa. “We don’t have one yet but usually there is a charge

d’affaires standing in for the ambassador,” she said in an interview. According to De Villa, a charge d’affairs is usually left handling the affairs of the Philippine embassy in Vatican if there is no ambassador. “It’s up to the incoming president if the person will be re-appointed or not,” she added. In April, then Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo claimed that the Philippines has maintained its “very good relations with the Vatican” despite

A

Duterte’s tirades against Catholic priests. “We have very good relations with the Vatican... I haven’t seen any change at all in our good relations with the Vatican,” said Manalo. On January, Duterte gave negative remarks, saying Catholic priests are “full of sh**”,” “corrupt,” and carry out “sinful acts.” Philippine bishops later dismissed Duterte’s remarks as “nonsense.” (With reports from Jennifer Soriano/AJPress)

Cops accused in Espinosa slay freed on bail by AJPress

SuPERINTENDENT Marvin Marcos and 18 other police officers accused in the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa were released from detention after posting a P40,000bail on Friday, June 16. This came after the Department of Justice (DOJ) amended the complaint against the respondents and filed a motion to downgrade the charges against police officers from murder to homicide, which is a lesser and bailable offense. Baybay Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Carlos Arguelles signed the release order for Marcos and his 18 co-accused. On November 5 last year, Espinosa was fatally shot inside his cell at the Leyte Sub-Provincial Jail in Baybay City after allegedly resisting arrest and exchanging shots with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) lead by Marcos. Another detainee, Raul Yap, was also killed during the supposed resistance while the CIDG was serving the warrant. Espinosa was tagged as among the biggest drug lords in Eastern Visayas. He was also among the first officials President Rodrigo Duterte accused publicly in connection with his campaign against illegal drugs. Apart from Marcos, other cops released from prison were Superintendent Marvin Marcos, Superintendent Santi Noel G. Matira, Chief Inspector Leo D. Laraga, Senior Police Officer 4 Melvin M. Cayobit, Police Officer 3 Johnny A. Ibañez. Chief Inspector Calixto

C. Canillas Jr, Senior Police Officer 4 Juanito A. Duarte and Police Officer 1 Lloyd O. Ortigueza. Senior Inspector Fritz B. Blanco, Police Office 1 Bhernard R. Orpilla, Senior Inspector Deogacias P. Diaz III, Senior Police Officer 2 Benjamin L. Dacallos, Police Officer 3 Norman T. Abellanosa, Police Officer 1 Jerlan S. Cabiyaan, Inspector Lucrecito A. Candilosas, Senior Police Officer 2 Antonio R. Docil, Senior Police Officer 1 Mark Christian Cadilo, Police Officer 2 Jhon Ruel Doculan, and Police Officer 2 Jaime P. Bacsal also posted bail. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre said the charges against the police officers were downgraded due to the absence of evident premeditation. In its earlier probe, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) concluded that Espinosa was slain in a ‘rubout,’ and not in a shootout incident. Like the NBI, the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs concluded in its separate investigation that the death of Espinosa was a “premeditated murder.” Senators slam ‘flip-flop king’ Aguirre The six-member Senate Minority bloc is set to file a resolution “expressing grave concern” over the downgrading of murder charges against the police officers in Espinosa slay. In a statement, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon described the DOJ’s move as “anomalous and suspicious.” He said the “abrupt downgrading of the case against Superintendent Marvin Marcos and his

cohorts from murder to homicide is a big blow to the justice system in the country.” “This is a very disappointing development insofar as the ability of the government to prevent and prosecute police abuses and irregularities is concerned,” Drilon added. Detained Senator Leila de Lima also questioned the Justice Department’s decision. “How can the DOJ not see and appreciate the presence of the qualifying circumstance of evident premeditation, and even abuse of superior strength, in the execution of such criminal act which bears the hallmarks of summary execution?” De Lima, also a former DOJ secretary, said in a statement. She went on to say the DOJ’s initial adoption of the NBI’s recommendation was “just for show, a charade,” when the end result was to “downgrade the charges, as done now, and ultimately weaken the case vs. those rogue police officers and men.” Calling Aguirre a “flip-flop king,” Senator Risa Hontiveros, meanwhile, said that by lessening the charges against the accused in the Espinosa killing, he “also effectively further downgraded his reputation and integrity before the public’s eyes.” “This may be the last straw for many of us. We cannot allow Secretary Aguirre to continue to toy around with our justice system. Enough’s enough,” Hontiveros added. Also part of the Senate minority bloc are Drilon and Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Bam Aquino, and Antonio Trillanes IV.

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LA, NYC Fil-Am chefs at the heart of ‘ULAM’ by Christina

With the immense admiration that Filipino food has received over the last few years, it’s no surprise that the cuisine is also getting big screen treatment. “ULAM,” (tagalog for main dish) an hour-long documentary by Filipina-American filmmaker Alexandra Cuerdo, looks at the rise of the Filipino food movement in Los Angeles and New York City. it was recently previewed in front of over 600 individuals at the Million Dollar theater as part of the LA Food Bowl, the Los Angeles Times’ inaugural month-long festival this past May. the cuisine’s ability to appeal to diverse palates is evident from the get-go of the documentary, as the opening scene shows diners of various ethnicities gathering around a table for a kamayan meal. this eating style of forging utensils and using banana leaves as plates — once seen as ‘uncultured’ — has been turned into a curious dining experience. As seen in “ULAM,” this current accessibility to Filipino food is thanks to chefs and restaurant owners like NYC-based Romy Dorotan and Amy Besa of Purple Yam and Nicole Ponseca and Miguel trinidad of Maharlika and Jeepney. in LA, we have Andre Guerrero (the Oinkster, Maximiliano, the Little Bear & Ramen Room), Johneric Concordia and Christine Araquel-Concordia of the Park’s Finest, Alvin Cailan (Eggslut, Amboy & Unit 120), Ricebar’s Charles Olalia, and brothers Chase and Chad Valencia of LASA. “Right now, we’re kind of hitting this stride — this renaissance, if you will, of Filipino food in the states. Everyone is doing something very different and unique, where it’s personal to themselves, authentic to themselves,” Chase Valencia narrates. Cooking “ULAM” For Cuerdo, a Southern California-native whose father Rey has a film background, focusing

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M. Oriel /AJPress

“I think ultimately the key to everyone’s heart is through their stomach.” —Filipino-American chef Alvin Cailan

Los Angeles-based chef Alvin Cailan of Eggslut, Amboy & Unit 120 in ULAM: Main Dish Photo courtesy of Alvin Cailan

that’s how we all come together as a community,” Cuerdo told the Asian Journal. “that’s really how it began in LA and New York. it’s just an introduction to the Filipino food movement.” throughout “ULAM,” the influences of Filipino food and the preparations required to make the chefs’ signature dishes are shown, from Dorotan’s ube cassava tamale to Concordia’s slow-smoked pork ribs to Olalia’s longganisa made from scratch. “i just love the flavors. i love hitting all the senses. When it comes to the table, visually it looks interesting. texture, it’s all different. if you close your eyes, the scents are powerful. And when you taste it, it doesn’t end with just chewing and swallowing — you have a nice finish. And it’s delicious,” trinidad describes early in the film. By the time the film ended, there seemed to be a resonating hunger in the audience. Beyond the struggles however, despite the mouthwatering, beautifully plated creations, being in the culinary field isn’t entirely glamorous. it was apt to detail the challenges the chefs went through in order to open their restaurants, especially after being told they would fail. the perspectives that the chefs offer on this provide a historical and cultural context as to how Filipino cuisine has become the mainstream phenomenon it is today. though it’s a collective movement, it still has its own nuances, like Maharlika’s translation of the food differs from Purple Yam or LASA’s menus. “At what point do you talk about authenticity?” Guerrero asks, questioning the identity of Filipino cuisine, given the influences from the Spanish, Chinese and Americans. Among the struggles, Dorotan and Besa share how they Nicole Ponseca and Miguel Trinidad of NY’s Maharlika and Jeepney migrated to the United States because of the political climate in the Philippines during the ‘70s. the couple went on to open Cendrillon in Soho in the late ‘90s and though the restaurant was a beloved hit, it was way before its time and eventually shuttered its doors because of Manhattan’s ever rising rent. in November 2009, they opened Purple Yam in Brooklyn. Ponseca, who began Maharlika as a series of pop-up Johneric Concordia of The Park’s Finest. Photo courtesy of Kidlat Entertainment brunches in NYC, reveals how on NYC and LA were obvious choices for “ULAM” because she was shuttling back and forth between the two cities while working in film production. During a conversation with Fil-Am cinematographer Matty Libatique (“Black Swan”, “iron Man”) in mid-2015, she expressed her interest in doing a documentary on Filipino food. Libatique, whom Cuerdo regards as a role model, essentially told her to pursue it and sent her off with a list of Filipino places to begin with. She then pitched the idea to John Floresca, who became the film’s co-producer and cinematographer. A few months later that year, Cuerdo met Cailan at NextDayBetter, a creative speaker series that held an event in LA featuring Fil-Am chefs and restaurants. that’s also where Cailan connected with the Valencias and Olalia, sparking a camaraderie and support system among fellow Fil-Ams working in LA’s culinary industry. “it’s all of these meeting places that are really important for Filipinos. that’s how we connect,

An ube tamale by Romy Dorotan of Purple Yam is highlighted in the film.

A scene from ULAM: Main Dish.

Photo courtesy of Kidlat Entertainment.

John Floresca, producer and cinematographer of ULAM: Main Dish. Photos courtesy of Kidlat Entertainment.

Behind the scenes with producer Rey Cuerdo (left) and director Alexandra Cuerdo (right) from ULAM: Main Dish. Photo courtesy of Kidlat Entertainment.

Chef Andre Guerrero

Chase and Chad Valencia of LASA, a California-inspired Filipino restaurant in LA Charles Olalia of Ricebar in LA

Amy Besa and Romy Dorotan of Purple Yam in NY

critics initially said that nonFilipinos wouldn’t be adventurous enough to try dishes like dinuguan (pig’s blood stew), while Filipinos would find her offerings overpriced. “there’s no manual that says, ‘how do you open a crossover Filipino restaurant?’ Or how do you make it to year three?” she says. “So i split the conversation: how do you run a restaurant? and how do you represent Filipino food?” trinidad, Ponseca’s partner who is of Dominican descent, recounts some of the hesitations he received from diners in his endeavor to learn how to cook Filipino food. he backpacked around the Philippines for three and a half months to immerse himself in the culture and food, arguing that it’s possible for nonFilipinos to take part in the food’s movement because chefs have mastered italian cuisine without being italian descent, for example. “i wanted to do right by it. i wanted to make sure i wasn’t bastardizing it or dumbing it down,” he explains. “So i went to the roots.” Spirit of Filipino food Curated by Cailan’s Unit 120 culinary incubator, Filipino food had its own spotlight at the LA Food Bowl with “Filipino Fridays” at Chinatown’s Far East Plaza featuring nights devoted to street Photo courtesy of Kidlat Entertainment food, lechon and dessert. Six Fil-

Behind the scenes with Romy Dorotan of Purple Yam from ULAM: Main Dish. Photo courtesy of Kidlat Entertainment.

Am chefs came together to whip up a multi-course dinner to tease the documentary preview the night before. After the screening, Cuerdo, Cailan, Chase Valencia and pastry chef isa Fabro were joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic Jonathan Gold for a panel to reflect on the film. Gold — who is a known proponent of the movement — praised “ULAM” for capturing the ‘spirit’ of Filipino food through the generosity and unity. “When that friendship and dialogue (with Alvin) started, one big thing was this idea of really developing a community and backing each other,” Chase Valencia told the audience, adding how this network allowed him and his brother Chad to transition their pop-up dinners to a full-service restaurant. he added, “this documentary is awesome because it stops at a moment right now of where we can take it next. it’s just pointing out the fact that we’re going to push our food and we’re going to do it together.” the chefs and Cuerdo suggested that embracing the regionality of the Philippines and more Filipino restaurants popping up are possible next steps for the cuisine. Cailan added that the progression could be taking on different traditional dishes like kare kare or laing.

“there will be a generation of Filipino kids who will grow up eating this food…[and] will be so much more educated about the regional differences and even names of the dishes,” Cuerdo said. “And not just Filipinos, but just people. Everybody is welcome to try the food and people are going to know, in the same way we know pad thai, adobo. i think that’s really beautiful.” “Taste of what’s to come” While only chefs and restaurants in LA and NYC were highlighted in “ULAM,” Cuerdo hinted that it could spring off into a series of documentaries on more chefs in cities like Washington D.C., Chicago and San Francisco. “By no means did we want it to be a manual, an A to Z. this is just a taste of what’s to come, so we would love to do part two. We would love to profile many of the other amazing Filipino chefs and we’re looking forward to the future,” she told the Asian Journal. Cuerdo plans to enter “ULAM” into various festivals and screen it across the United States, but for now, she hopes it will “get people to try Filipino food.” “At the end of the day, if we can get anyone who watches this film to try one of these restaurants, that’s the goal,” she said. “We’re really trying to promote our culture through food.”

june 23-29, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

3

Richard Yap: Don’t count him out yet by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, Vilma Santos-Recto and Piolo Pascual

Just because his hit tV starrer “Be Careful With My Heart” with Jodi sta. Maria has ended (after several extensions) doesn’t mean that Richard “ser Chief” Yap has prematurely rested on his laurels and given up his title as, with due respect to current “titleholder” Ian Veneracion (“A Love to Last”), Kilabot ng Mga Matrona. Never mind if they know that Richard is happily married (to former flight stewardess Melody, with whom he has two children), the women haven’t gotten over their fascination with; they continue to swoon. the good news is that, after renewing his contract with the Kapamilya Network last February, Richard will topbill a tV series but he’s not yet at liberty to discuss the details, leaving fans hopeful that it will reunite him with Jodi. Well, Richard and Jodi did reunite last week but only for the blessing of Cole & Ash International systems Corporation, a trading company which he put up with partners, dealing “si Ma’am Charo talaga, she’s in the distribution, supply and installation of office our biggest supporter since systems, flooring, storage and other services. ‘Esperanza’ days, back when we’re Jodi was among the star guests at the blessing not even a love team yet,” Juday of his new business located in BGC (Bonifacio said. Global City), named for his children Dylan Cole and If the reunion does push Ashley sandrine. other guests included sM’s Hans through, she said “it should be sy, Richard Poon and wife Maricar Reyes, and Nikki something worth waiting for.” Valdez and boyfriend Luis Garcia. “’Di ako masyado excited kasi “I don’t go into a business that I don’t know ‘di ko sure kung matutuloy. Baka anything about,” said Richard, 50, who is businessma-frustrate lang ako. I live by the minded like most Chinese (he was educated at a day,” she noted. “Masyado kasing Chinese school in his native Cebu). “I make sure that I maraming nakakakilala sa’min. know the ins and outs and the ABCs of any business Alam nilang ‘di kami tatanggap that I venture into.” ng ‘di maayos (na project).” Before he and his friends put up Luna J and the actress, however, gave Wangfu restaurants (both at Il terrazo, corner tomas clues on when the reunion Morato Avenue and scout Madrinan, Quezon City; project would come: “Kasi ‘di ko the other Wangfu nearby also along Morato has pa nahahabol ‘yung waistline ni folded up), Richard took up Culinary Arts. same with Piolo. ‘Pag nahabol ko na ‘yung Cole & Ash. figure niya!” “I learned about the business from working at

Why Judy Ann Santos is more excited to work with Vilma Santos than Piolo Pascual

“Gusto ko talaga!” superstar Judy Ann santos exclaimed when asked by media recently if she wants to make a movie with “star for All seasons” Vilma santos and with perennial heartthrob Piolo Pascual. But if Judy Ann would have her way, “Mas gusto ko munang mauna ‘yung kay Ate Vi kaysa kay Piolo,” she said. According to her, it is because she has made movies with Piolo already and she has not yet done anything with Vilma. thus, the actress has been really praying that the rumors of her making a movie with Ate Vi would become a reality. As for Piolo, she admitted that there is a “gusot” or a

misunderstanding between them that they should solve first. she did not elaborate what this “gusot” is, but she affirmed that Piolo and her are in good terms. “siguro nga ang daming nag-eexpect ng comeback but we’ve always been friends,” she reassured. Her role in Piolo’s life has been “a shoulder to cry on.” “our relationship ni Piolo as co-actors is deep enough para plantsahin ang mga gusot,” she attested. she is aware that her and Piolo’s fellow sun Life endorser, Charo santos-Concio, has been giggling in anticipating for a reunion movie or drama series starring Piolo and Juday.

Richard Yap

a friend’s furniture business for more than 20 years,” revealed Richard. “our family is in interior design business and I’m using what I learned from it in Cole & Ash. We are guided by what we call the H.I.G.H.E.R. (Honesty, Integrity, Good Heart, Expertise and Reliability).” Which is presumably Richard’s guiding principle in his career which is “business as usual.” undaunted by his abortive tV series with Judy Ann santos (now hosting the Kapamilya show “Bet on Your Baby”), Richard is happily going with the flow. He has been busy with guestings (Kapamilya shows like FPJ’s “Ang Probinsyano,” etc.) and doing movies including special appearance in a Vice Ganda starrer and an impressive turn as the estranged father of John Lloyd Cruz in “Just the 3 of us,” an award-worthy performance that cemented his status as a serious drama actor (aside from being a romantic idol). “I’m thankful that my supporters are there for me,” said Richard. “they are the ones who keep me going.”

Say goodbye to Charice and hello to Jake Zyrus INtERNAtIoNAL singing sensation Charice Pempengco has changed his name to Jake Zyrus in all of his social media accounts. Following his break-up with longtime girlfriend Alyssa Quijano, Jake’s new identity was born last thursday, June 15. Jake deleted all of his previous posts and sent his first tweet under his new name to 927,000 followers via twitter on tuesday, June 20. “My first tweet as Jake. overwhelmed. saw all your love comments and I’m so happy.

Finally. I love you, everyone and see you soon,” he tweeted. the 25-year-old singer embraced his new identity and tweeted “I won’t let anyone ruin this moment. I won’t let anyone ruin my happiness. thank you to all the beautiful write ups about me.” Also deleting all of his previous post as Charice on Instagram, Jake posted last sunday, June 18 a blue photo background with the words “thank You” on it to his 132,000 followers.

He captioned the photo “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the love and respect. I love you back and I’m sending peace to everyone.” Jake’s latest revelation coincides with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and transgender (LGBt) Pride Month, which is celebrated in most parts of the world each year during the month of June to honor the Gay Liberation Movement in Manhattan on 1969. Jake, who gained his popularity as Charice in 2005, embraced his true sexuality and

courageously admitted that he is a lesbian to talk show host Boy Abunda at the segment of “the Buzz” in 2013. since then, he started to label himself as a man and even settled for a slick clean cut and tattoo look. In 2016, Mega Man’s magazine took a big leap toward gender equality and put Jake on the cover of the magazine issue for Pride Month. “By most accounts, this has never been done before and whatever way the pendulum will

Charice Pempengco now turned into Jake Zyrus, the moniker he now uses on social media.

swing, this was a move worth taking,” Mega Man’s article read. Jake’s big leap gives rise to an artist who is now more confident and at peace with his inner insecurities. Even though

his screen name has changed, he is still the talented singer who impressed oprah Winfrey and record producer David Foster. (Larizza de Vera/AJPress, with reports from CNN Philippines)

june 23-29, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

4

Glaiza de Castro’s elusive ‘Mr. Right’ by lhar santiago ManilaTimes.net

THe moment her taping for “encantadia” was done, Glaiza de Castro packed her bags and flew to South Korea for much needed rest. She had planned this trip a month before taping for the hit GmA telefantasya was finished. “When i learned of the schedule of our final taping day, i immediately asked our travel agency office to book me for the Korean trip,” she said. This is the first time Glaiza travelled wherein she was not the one who arranged everything from the necessary papers to the itinerary. And it is thanks to her own travel agency, Galura Travels, which she opened a couple of Albert Martinez will soon be a grandfather with Lee O’Brian and Pokwang daughter Alyanna’s soon to be eldest. Photo from Pokwang’s Instagram account months ago. “Since traveling is one of my greatest passions, i decided to open this business. True enough, based on my experience, it’s a big by Christina alpad to former girlfriend Jennylyn Father’s day gift!” help for people like me who love to ManilaTimes.net mercado’s son, Alex Jazz. “i’ve been waiting for the travel. malaking ginhawa that there now back to Pokwang, her Comedienne-actress marietta longest time,” martinez told dZmm is somebody na nag-aayos ng lahat partner Lee o’Brian revealed that in a separate interview after the “Pokwang” Subong, who happily for you,” she enthused. the actress has withdrawn from all announcement. shared news of her pregnancy the Being a K-pop fan, Glaiza really showbiz commitments to adhere “it doesn’t really matter [if previous week, seems to have set enjoyed her weeklong Korean to her doctor’s order of full bed it will be a boy or a girl], What’s off a new baby boom what with holiday. She visited places like rest. important is healthy lumabas two more showbiz personalities movie and television sets, one of in an interview with “Tonight ‘yung bata, and walang problema. sharing baby news to date. which was that of “Coffee Prince,” With Boy Abunda,” the actor Yun na ang happiness naming on monday, June 19, Alyanna shared, “it’s difficult in the sense lahat,” he said. martinez—eldest daughter of that it’s very delicate. every meanwhile, two days actor Albert martinez and the late precaution has to be taken and later, actor Patrick Garcia and actress Leizl martinez—posted bed rest.” non-showbiz wife nikka also on her instagram account, @ by iza iglesias it will be remembered that announced on social media they alyannamartinez, her Father’s ManilaTimes.net entertainment host and talent are expecting their third child. day gift to he dad: A baby manager ogie diaz revealed nikka first shared the news announcement. iT looks like actors Baron Geisler Pokwang’s pregnancy in a on her instagram account @ Alyanna, who married and Kiko matos will once again Facebook post on Thursday. nikkamgarcia by posting a photo photographer Roy macam in battle it out in the cage after their Four days later, the comedienne of their daughters michelle and 2016, took her followers inside paths crossed on monday, June 19 herself confirmed the news by Patrice holding a onesie printed an announcement box she sent and almost exchanged blows. posting on her instagram account, with “Baby Garcia” at the back. to martinez. in it were two bibs, a during a press conference for @itspokwang27, a picture of mom anew, she wrote, pacifier, two baby shoes—in blue the upcoming Universal Reality her, boyfriend o’Brian and their “Unexpected but whole heartedly and pink—and a baby ultrasound Combat Championship (URCC) in seven-week old offspring’s first wanted. They say that a baby that photo. manila, Geisler stole the limelight sonogram. The two bibs each bore special comes after a miscarriage is called when he suddenly showed up “Hello baby o’Brian. First a rainbow baby. We are beyond dedications. The first for martinez uninvited and challenged matos to picture nya. Thank you sa lahat ng another fight. blessed to be given another said, “We don’t know if it’s a he or mga dasal nyo para matupad ito, beautiful miracle. A privilege to a she. All we know is that you’re Geisler and matos’ rift traces at sa patuloy nyo pang dasal para be parents the third time around. a lolo to be;” and the second, in back to a bar brawl which trended ligtas si Baby o’Brian at tuluyan na online. Coaxed by netizens to take remembrance of Alyanna’s mother See you later this year our rainbow sya mangulit sa February dito sa who died of breast cancer in 2015, baby!” their fight in front of an audience, earth,” the 44-year-old wrote. The same day, Patrick shared “Handpicked for earth by my they eventually ended up in a Pokwang and o’Brian first the same photo and captioned grandma in heaven.” highly publicized mixed martial confirmed their relationship in it, “excited for our new blessing! in his own instagram account, arts (mmA) duel hosted by URCC, January 2015. in August of the Can’t wait to see you in december @albertmartinez_, the new lolo where they tied at 19-all. same year, the comedienne my baby!” shared the news by posting on monday, matos figured revealed she suffered a Patrick married nikka in march a photo of him holding the among the lineup of newly miscarriage. 2015. The actor is also a father ultrasound and writing, “The best assigned fighters for URCC’s outing

A fresh baby wave in showbiz

which is a favorite of hers. She also had the chance to get close to the border of north Korea. Her vacation became more exciting as Glaiza met up with friends who are based in Seoul. “one of my most memorable trips talaga yung one week ko sa Korea. i would like to go back and explore the place more.” The holiday was but a short break for Glaiza who buckled down to work as soon as she got back home. She is now busy promoting her new album under Polyeast Records where she shows more of her versatility as a singer. The new album is a far cry from her first where she displayed her talent as a pop-rock artist. in this outing, Glaiza does her own version of classic oPm songs like “Bato Sa Buhangin” and “itanong mo Sa mga Bata.” Polyeast has happily announced that the album took the no. 1 spot in sales two days after its release. meanwhile, fans won’t have to miss Glaiza on TV for very long as she is now preparing to start a new show—the format of which is something new for the Kapuso artist. For the first time, she will be doing a travel show, which is very much up her alley. Glaiza, of course,

Glaiza de Castro

couldn’t be happier, what with the opportunity to do a lot of traveling. “in this show, i will be going to different places in the Philippines to experience the different cultures, traditions, food and other things in the places that i visit,” Glaiza explained. “What i want is that i will be able to help promote interesting places in the country and this is really very exciting for me.” The travel show is considered by Glaiza as a good way to rest for the meantime from doing a drama Continued on Page 6

Baron Geisler, Kiko Matos engage in fight anew

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

PSYCHIC

Baron Geisler

Kiko Matos

on August 12 at Smart Araneta Coliseum. out of nowhere, Geisler caught the entertainment and sports press corps by surprise when he showed up and interrupted the event. Whether staged or not, showbiz’ reigning bad boy walked in and sat down beside matos just as a reporter was asking the latter

who among the roster of fighters he would like to wrestle. Geisler then grabbed the microphone from matos and answered the question himself. “This question is for me actually. Hindi pa kami tapos [we’re not done], there’s a ‘KikoBaron Part 2.’ i challenge him. if he Continued on Page 6

SERVICES

june 23-29, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA

5

Kindness as the antidote for the darkness in the human heart “Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.” - Albert Schweitzer

THERE’S a common thread in murder suicides— one man driven by rage, jealousy, paranoia, desperation, depression over economic pressures, family problems or just plain deranged, decided he can’t take it anymore and instead of committing suicide, decide to inflict murder and mayhem killing several others, either his own family members or total strangers. With each horrific case, the public seems to become more inured and desensitized to violence and death, becoming more accepting of all these, as a normal feature of modern life. Ever since the Columbine mass murder perpetrated by 2 young misguided misfits garbed in black trench coats years ago, things haven’t been the same. There were copycats exhibiting lemming-like behavior since then. Evil glamorized by repetition and attention-getting drama seems to have morphed into many other incidents in North America and elsewhere, resulting in incalculable, untold pain and suffering among families of the victims. We remember with great pain the Virginia Tech mass murder which snuffed out the lives of 32, including Cho, the killer, who was a quiet, deranged malcontent who never quite fit in. In the blogosphere chatter, many noted that perpetrators of this troubling trend were often the quiet ones. Word is out on the street to watch out for the quiet “pressure cooker” types, those who never cause a ripple and yet, has a fondness for weapons, but who can implode and explode with volcanic intensity and wipe out those around them. A Vietnamese immigrant, Jiverly Wong, aka Vuong, a quiet, social misfit and also a gun enthusiast, driven by severe paranoia and frustrated over his “poor life” and poor English skills, gunned down 12 others in an immigrant center, 10 of whom came from 8 countries and who were students just trying to learn English as a second language. One was a Filipina, Dolores Yigal, a recent immigrant who was studying so she could find a job.

One was a long time substitute teacher named Roberta King. One was an Iraqi woman who survived 3 car bombs in her native Iraq and left behind a devastated family, a daughter at the Sorbonne in Paris and another daughter, a Fulbright scholar. All these lives were cut off by one sorry excuse for a human being in one fell swoop. Among ordinary families from all strata and from nearly every ethnic group, there has also been a rash of killings among fathers who have decided to kill themselves because of their failures and are taking their whole family with them. On rare occasions, it is a mother who does it. Sometimes, the sick and the elderly decide to take matters into their own hands and end it all. The murder suicide rate among families is on the rise, thankfully not in epidemic proportions just yet as to cause panic. After all the news vans are gone from the crime scene, after the vacuous words of any sitting president have been said, after all references to the story are buried in the inside pages and eventually ground to a halt on the internet, and when the grieving families have no more tears to shed, many questions as to why such things happen with alarming frequency remain unanswered. There seems to be a moral turpitude that ails a society when some of its members regard murder suicide as an option. This much is certain — when extreme hubris rules the heart and mind, there will always be a lack of personal responsibility and accountability when something goes wrong. It would always be because of someone else’s fault or because of a set of circumstances. We tend to blame everything else but ourselves. The tendency to shirk responsibility is probably wired into our DNA right at the

Health@Heart

Metformin: The truth

PhiliP S. ChuA, Md, FACS, FPCS ONE of the most popular and very useful medications today worldwide is Metformin (Glucophage). This drug, whose molecular formula, C4H11N5, was first synthesized in 1929 and clinically introduced in the late 1950s by Jean Sterne, a French physician, who named it Glucophage, meaning glucose eater. In the United States, this drug was approved for type 2 diabetes by the FDA in 1994 and was marketed as Glucophage on March 3, 1995. Evidence based clinical practice of today uses Metformin as the first-line oral drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially those who are overweight, according to the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Physicians. In spite of its widespread global use and hundreds of millions benefiting from it, there are misleading and egregious assertions by some manufacturers of alternative herbal preparations for diabetes that Metformin is useless and dangerous. These are irresponsible claims in order for the uninformed and the gullible individuals to buy and use their products instead. These products, which have not been studied by the food and drug administration of the United States, the Philippines, or other countries, could be untested, unrefined, adulterated, contaminated, and are unsafe and possibly toxic in the long run. How does Metformin work? Contrary to some understanding, Metformin does not directly lower blood sugar like insulin does. Metformin acts to reduce the insulin resistance of the body cells to allow our own natural insulin to enter the cells to enable normal sugar metabolism. A significant number

of type 2 diabetes suffer from insulin resistance that prevents insulin from entering the cells and doing its normal job, so the blood sugar goes up. Metformin reduces the resistance and improves the sensitivity of our body tissues in order for insulin to work more effectively. It also lowers the production of blood sugar in the liver. Again, on its own, Metformin does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Are ampalaya preparations as effective? No. Ampalaya (bitter melon), a vegetable-fruit dish commonly prepared in Asian countries, has been found to lower blood sugar levels a little,but not significantly enough to be effective in controlling the blood sugar levels among diabetics. In spite of this limitation and lack of efficacy, ampalaya preparations (pills, potions, lotions, teas) are on the shelves of many stores, claiming to lower blood sugar level, aimed at scamming the ignorant and gullible public. This is fraudulent because there have been reports of diabetics who stopped their prescribed medications and took these ampalaya preparations instead and have gone into diabetic comma. While eating ampalaya, a succulent dish, is a good idea for everyone, especially for diabetics, the use of the ampalaya preparations on the market as a substitute for (instead of) the prescription medication for diabetes is very dangerous and could be fatal. What are the other uses of Metformin? An amazing versatile drug, Metformin is also used for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome, and there are some limited suggestions that it may prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer complications of diabetes. More clinical studies are needed to confirm these. Its use is not linked to weight gain and higher risk of low blood sugar in contrast to the use of sulfonylureas for diabetes. Metformin also modestly

Garden of Eden with Eve playing the blame game early on. The devil made me do it. So did Adam. The woman gave me the apple. It is our inability, due to pride, the deadliest of all human failings, to own up to sin. And so it was with the fallen angels. There’s only one antidote to pride for us mere mortals and that is to cultivate daily a grateful, humble heart that thanks God for every moment of life on earth. Our Blessed Mother exemplifies the kind of heart that bears all. That is why she is worthy of emulation. “Thou shalt not kill” is a commandment that holds in good times and in bad. There’s no moral relativism on this. Each is precious to God or He wouldn’t have sacrificed His own Son if He didn’t think we were worth the time and trouble. Each murder is a grievous sin against the Holy Spirit from whom all life comes. It is us who has discounted our own worth. Part of the reason we have discounted the value of human life is that modern society has become so desensitized to violence and death via the content in films, games and media that pass for entertainment these days, that we take life for granted as though it means nothing. Does hell exist? How is punishment meted out in the afterlife? In the physical universe, scientists claim that there are black holes in the known universe that can’t be seen by human eyes but with gravitation so strong that it suctions, as in a whirling cosmic cauldron stirred by mighty forces, all the stars and planetary systems that come within its orbit, so strong that not even light can escape. Need a visual image for hell aside from Dante’s Inferno? Black holes could fit the bill as a repository for lost souls, a cold, dark, fetid, state of gnawing pain and bitter regret, filled with the Continued on Page 7

reduces LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides. Among obese non-diabetics, Metformin has been observed to be induce some weight loss. There is also a study that suggests Metformin be used as a second-line drug if clomifene treatment fails in the management of infertility among women. Can Metformin prevent diabetes? Among those with prediabetes, who are at risk of developing full-blown type 2 diabetes, treatment with Metformin has been found to reduce the chances of developing this metabolic disease. The same may be achieved with intensive regimented physical exercise done religiously, at least 20 minutes 5 days a week, as shown by the US Diabetes Prevention Program of lifestyle modification. This nonmedication, exercise strategy, could lower the incidence of diabetes by 58 percent. Medical research on this continues to confirm these findings. Does Metformin improve longevity? This wonderful drug appears to increase longevity, at least in mice in the experimental laboratory, by a mean life span of 37.8 percent. Findings like this are extrapolated to be applicable among humans. There is scientific evidence that hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hyperinsulinemia (high insulin levels) are significant factors both in aging and development of cancer. The life prolonging effects of dieting (caloric restriction) has been attributed to decreasing IGF-1 (insulin growth factor-1), so eating less than maximal will reduce the need for the body to secrete more insulin and its level would go down, including body weight, and eventually in the long run slowing down aging and cancer risk. As my late teacher, Dr. Fe del Mundo, an internationally renowned pediatrician-scientist who lived to almost 100, still treating patients at age 94, stated, her secret to longevity was to push herself “away from the dining table less than full.” Continued on Page 6

Calendar of Events across

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS J u n e 25

Fiesta ng Calamba in Carson, CA The Calamba Association of Southern California invites everyone to the Fiesta ng Calamba (St. John the Baptist Feast Day) on Sunday, June 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be held at the Veterans Sports Complex at 22400 Moneta Ave., Carson, CA 90745. For more information, please contact Teresita Pinuela Hermosura at (626) 335-1008.

“Musikahan! with Maestro Ryan Cayabyab” in Glendale, CA Come to the Alex Theatre in Glendale, CA at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 25 for an unforgettable performance! The Ryan Cayabyab Singers will be joined by local Fil-Am artists, including Giselle Tongi, Annie Nepomuceno, Miguel Vera, The Harana Men’s Chorus, Edsel Sotiangco, Michael Keith, the Los Angeles Young Ambassadors (LAYA), Josie Gonzalez, Louisa Tampi and more from the Pilipino Artist Network. Presented by Philippine Patrons of the Arts USA in cooperation with FilamARTS, tickets are available at the Alex Theatre box office and online links are posted on www.musicartsevents.com. Venue address is 216 North Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203.

J u n e 29

APALA’s fundraising awards dinner in San Francisco The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA)’s San Francisco Chapter will hold a “fundraising awards dinner” on June 29 at 5:30-10 p.m. at Fort McKinley Restaurant (101 Brentwood Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080). APALA will honor individuals who have dedicated their lives to advocating and defending worker and immigrant rights and promoting economic justice. For more information, please call Celia Rivera of APALA-SF at (650) 296-9623.

J u LY 7

Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in concert in Las Vegas Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS) will hold a concert at the Flamingo Theatre of the Clark County Library at 7 p.m., with touring guest Annie Nepomuceno and special guest tenor Edward Granadosin. Front acts are Michael Perez and Esmeralda Padilla. Please call Dr. Mike Santa Juana at (516) 669-5834, Art Jerus (702) 738-8029 or Randolph Umali (702) 985-5724 for inquiries.

J u LY 8

United Batanguenos of Southern California Induction in Los Angeles The United Batanguenos of Southern California will hold its induction of officers on Saturday, July 8 at Casa Italiana in Los Angeles. Millie Moncada will be inducted as new governor. Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For other related questions please call Millie at (818) 322-9429; Cely Anuran (805) 630-3377 or Willie Manacsa at (818) 400-7391. Casa Italiana is located at 1051 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

J u LY 2 0

LEAP’s 35th anniversary celebration in Los Angeles Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, Inc. (LEAP) is proud to celebrate 35 years of ”Growing Leaders” on Thursday, July 20 and the leadership of individuals that exemplify LEAP’s mission to achieve full participation and equality for Asian and Pacific Islanders through leadership, empowerment, and policy. Proceeds from the event will be used to develop LEAP’s innovative leadership programs, cutting-edge public policy research, and nationwide community building. This year’s 35th Anniversary Celebration will be like no other gala that LEAP has had in the past. LEAP’s 35th Anniversary Celebration will be an eventful evening that will be both interactive and experiential. With an abundance of food and friends, LEAP will celebrate those who have shaped the organization, those who have been impacted by the organization, and those who continue to grow as Asian and Pacific Islander leaders and dream big. Honores for the individual leadership award include Fatima Bustos-Choy, Phd, founder of Gaia Flow Consulting and CEO And owner of Body & Brain Holistic Wellness Center; Kenneth Kasamatsu, advisor to the CEO, E-Central Credit Union / The Pacific Bridge Companies, and founder of Pacific Commerce Bank ; Geri Mannion, program director, U.S. Democracy and Special Opportunities Fund at Carnegie Corporation of New York; and Paul Ong, director of the Center for Neighborhood Knowledge at UCLA. The David R. Barclay Alumni Leadership Award will be presented to Scott Chan, program director for the Asian Pacific Islander Forward Movement and Patricia A. Neilson, director of Asian American Student Success at University of Massachusetts Boston. The VIP & general reception will begin at 5 p.m., while the program is from 7 to 10 p.m. It will be held at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (244 South San Pedro Street Los Angeles, CA 90012). Attire is business. To RSVP, visit www.leap.org/celebration_tickets. For more information about registration, contact Mayta Lor at (213) 485-1422 x 4105 or mlor@leap.org.

J u LY 2 1 -23

Filipino Caucus Family Retreat in Lake Hughes, CA The Filipino Caucus of the California Pacific Annual Conference (CALPAC) of the United Methodist Church (UMC) is inviting its members to a family retreat to be held from July 21 to 23. The venue will be the scenic Oak Camps and Conference Center (18651 Pine Canyon Road, Lake Hughes, California). The Rev. Dr. Bener Agtarap, Associate General Secretary of the UMC Board of Discipleship Ministry will be the resource person and guest speaker during the three- day gathering to be marked with group discussions and fellowship. “Rekindling the Flame” will be the theme of this retreat. According to Rev. Nelson Castorillo, the Filipino Caucus president, the goal of the retreat is re-igniting and rekindling the symbolic flame representing the spirit and unity of this growing group of Filipino-American Methodists and hoping this type of gathering will reenergize and revitalize the Church. The Rosewood UMC, headed by Ding Lapus, is coordinating the event. He is assisted by Noribel Taguba, Vicky Ignacio, Dennis Mañacop, Auring Garcia, John Umaguing, Revs. Manny Predas and Lisa Santiago. Food and lodging for three days is $148 and $103 for children 7-12 years old. Check is payable to the Filipino Caucus, PO Box 10435, Glendale, CA 91209. For more information please call Rev. Nelson (909) 538-7606 or email at nelsonpreacher@gmail.com.

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.

O c tO b e r 1 4

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/.

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

june 16-22, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

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What Kiefer Ravena has learned Ricky Lo Philstar.com

by

products, especially the toner which I apply morning and night and when I’m going out. I used to When that, uhm, ugly incident happened, Kiefer Ravena endorse Master. Athletes like me take good care of our health. We owned up to his “mistake” and are already engaged in having promptly apologized to his a fit lifestyle; if we are not on parents, his (then?) girlfriend the basketball court, we are in Alyssa Valdez and his fans. the gym. Lagi kaming nag-praSo when Funfare met Kiefer practice. In addition to that, I last Thursday at Watsons’ “Bro take multi-vitamins because Bootcamp” at its Podium outlet, sometimes, hindi kaya ng tulog we respectfully refrained from lang. And proper hydration, that’s mentioning that unsavory past why I take lots of water, especially although Kiefer gamely talked during workouts.” about the lesson that he learned A retired basketball star and from it. Manny Pacquiao admitted that Asked if he’s still active on they would refrain from having social media (you know, in spite sex at least three weeks before of ), Kiefer said, “Yes, I am. But a game. What about Kiefer I have become more careful (presuming that he has a partner, now. I learned a lesson the hard if not yet a wife)? way. Social media is such a free “It’s a case-to-case basis,” world and it can be risky. You said Kiefer who is reported to be post something and before you know it, it has spread like wildfire. fancy-free at the moment. “I guess every athlete has his own way of You can’t take it back anymore. preparing himself emotionally, Mas madaling mag-ingat kaysa mentally and physically.” magsisi.” nightlife is among the things Together with other celebrities that Kiefer has to sacrifice for (one of them Robi Domingo, but more about him in a future issue), his sport — “To be the best Kiefer was at the Watsons event as athlete that I can be.” That means, goodbye to gimik, social drinking, endorser of Gillette which helps bar-hopping or partying. him have that clean-shaven look. Is sports laden with gossip and Through “Bro Bootcamp,” Watsons intrigues which are the lifeblood rolled out a crash course on how of showbiz? boys can master personal care “Almost the same,” confirmed from basic cleansing training to Kiefer who has had his taste of showering, shaving and scent, all showbiz when he starred with the way up to moisturizing. We discussed “safe” topics with fellow athletes (Alyssa among them) in a comedy series on Kiefer such as his grooming and TV5, together with Ogie Alcasid health regimen. and Randy Santiago. “Showbiz “For my skin, I consult a and sports have merged. A lot dermatologist. I also use Master

of showbiz guys have proven themselves to be good athletes, like Matteo Guidicelli (racing), Derek Ramsay (frisbee), Kim Chiu (marathon) and others.” It was fun, agreed Kiefer. “Light lang, no heavy acting. It was masaya, especially with Kuya Ogie and Kuya Randy around. I think most of us athletes find it difficult to cry in a dramatic scene. That’s what I admire among our actors…their ability to cry in dramatic scenes.” And what does he find most uncomfortable being a celebrity? “everybody is looking at you, watching you and waiting for you to commit a mistake. One wrong move, no matter how small or how trivial, can be magnified, blown out of proportion. Being a celebrity entails a big responsibility. Whether you like it or not, you are a role model, especially to the young who might be dreaming to be good at basketball.”

Glaiza de Castro’s elusive ... From Page 4

show. encantadia was a long series and Glaiza’s role as Pirena was very demanding emotionally and physically. She is the type of actress who takes her role to heart, that is why there were moments when she would really be affected emotionally by the heavy scenes she was doing. Physically, she had been hurt a couple of times in her fight scenes. The last one required four stitches on her brow after she

was accidentally hit with the tip of a sword. “Of course, those were accidents and they really happen on the set. Walang dapat sisihin,” she averred. Is it all work and travel for Glaiza? What about her personal happiness? her love life? Until now, Glaiza has not found her elusive Mr. Right. There were guys who’ve been linked to her in the past–one of them was even so

open about his admiration for Glaiza–but that was all. no further development. As of now, Glaiza is certified single but she is not worried. “I’m happy with my life right now. I am so focused on my career. When it comes to love life, I leave it all up to the Lord. I am waiting for his timing because his timing is always perfect. I’ll let him choose the guy for me because he gives only the best,” she ended.

ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.

From Page 5

Metformin: The truth

What are the side effects of Metformin? Metformin is well tolerated by most. Mild diarrhea is the usual initial side effect that is transient, which stops after a day or so. nausea, abdominal pains, flatulence have been reported but they are mild and temporary. If taken in overly large doses, it causes high blood lactic acid level. This drug is contraindicated among those with kidney or liver disease. Long term use of Metformin leads to vitamin B-12 deficiency, and increase in the homocysteine level, which increases the risk for hardening of the arteries. Vitamin B-6, B-12, and Folic Acid

might be considered by the attending physician for these. Among pregnant women with gestational diabetes, insulin is the preferred treatment, although there is no clear evidence that Metformin causes harm among these patients. If the side effects continue for days, which is not common, medical consultation is advised. Is it safe to self-medicate with Metformin? As a rule, it is never safe to self-medicate or share medications with anyone, even with over-thecounter drug, unless prescribed by a physician. Allergy and unexpected untoward reactions, side effects, and unforeseen

complication, sometimes fatal, can occur in some individuals. Metformin and all other medications must be taken under the guidance of a physician, who knows your personal circumstances and health. *** 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

Baron Geisler, Kiko Matos engage in fight anew From Page 4

has the balls for it, I challenge him, do you [have the balls]?” taunted the long-haired and scruffy looking Geisler. Without missing a beat, Matos let out a laugh and said, “I missed this, just like last year, kahit kailan, kahit saan, anytime, anywhere, I’ll be there.” Geisler picked up on the familiar line and retorted, “Pare, that’s so 2016, can you come up with something else? P*t*ng*na, seriously, hanggang dun na lang [is that all you have]? That’s so lame, man!” And that was all Matos needed to hear as he quickly grabbed Geisler by the leg and shoulder, pinning him forcefully down his chair. A commotion ensued as several men tried to pull them apart, only to have Matos throw a can of beer toward Geisler when they did. “You threw that like a little girl. You’re a f*cking fagot!” Geisler retorted. “Come over here. I don’t see your name here. Who even invited you?” Matos asked angrily looking at the name cards on the panel. “Me myself and I, you m*ther f*cker,” Geisler responded, giving his enemy the middle finger. “I’ll take that as long as you don’t piss on me,” Matos said, obviously taking a potshot at Geisler’s much-talked about antic on the set of “Bugbog,” where he got back at indie actor Ping

Medina who refused to rehearse a scene with him when he came in inebriated. “You’re using that piss card from last year? Dude I’m trying to atone for all the sins that I’ve done. And this fight? This fight is real. That last one is bullshit, this one, I’ll rip your face,” Geisler spewed. “You’re an uneducated monkey,” he added as he walked out of the room escorted by the crew. When everything settled down, Matos told the media in an ambush interview that he had no idea Geisler was going to show up. “Kung invited siya, sana yung pangalan niya nandun din sa mga tables or at least alam natin kung nandito siya. Actually, I know I am scheduled to fight on August 12 without an opponent yet. Right now, I came here para manawagan sa mga other actors to come here and fight. And then he comes out out of nowhere, so it looks like kami na yung maglalaban,” he declared. Ron Catunao, a URCC match maker, joined in the conversation and explained, “Kiko is here for an amateur MMA fight. he just signed a contract with URCC. I don’t know who invited Baron. I think he still feels their match has been settled because it ended in a draw last year. But I’m still looking for a real fight for Kiko in the amateur scene so we’ll still be talking with Mr. Alvin Aguilar who’s the founder of URCC.” Meanwhile in a separate

interview, Aguilar said he had no idea who invited Baron to the event. “I was actually happy that he was here but I didn’t expect that to happen. I actually thought he came by to help out and promote. I don’t know yet if they will fight again, we’ll see,” he said. earlier in the press conference, Matos talked about training continuously since his fight with Geisler during the last URCC. “Baron and I were invited to fight at the URCC. I was just a regular guy who’d party and drink but with URCC, I fell in love with the sport, especially Jiu Jitsu, in preparing for the fight. I discovered something that was in me. So, as I progressed, I wanted to do more. And now, I can say that I am a totally different fighter compared to how I was last year. And if we would do it all over again, I wouldn’t be doing the same thing. now, I’ve come prepared, I have tricks up my sleeve and I will show them during the fight.” Asked how he felt over his latest Geisler incident, he replied, “We know what we were up to last year, but as of now, maybe he just wants to play another game. It’s a big boy’s game. This is for sportsmanship then he comes out and calls me names. So, let’s get it on—that’s my reaction to his actions. Bigwasan na.” Showbiz-wise, Matos has been busy as an independent film actor. he has just finished shooting as

Stars of ‘Everything, Everything’ invite 7 Filipinos to watch teen romance Yassi Pressman: Proud daddy’s girl june 23-29, 2017

www.asianjournal.com

AmAndlA Stenberg and nick Robinson, the lead stars of the new romantic drama “Everything, Everything” have released a video inviting Filipino fans and audiences to watch their film. directed by Stella meghie, the film is based on the bestselling book of the same name by nicola Yoon. What if you couldn’t touch anything in the outside world? never breathe in the fresh air, feel the sun warm your face…or kiss the boy next door? “Everything, Everything” tells the unlikely love story of maddy, a smart, curious and imaginative 18-year-old who due to an illness cannot leave the protection of the hermetically sealed environment within her house; and Olly, the boy next door who would not let maddy’s condition stop them. maddy is desperate to experience the much more stimulating outside world, and the promise of her first romance. Gazing through windows

by JAn

Milo Severo

Philstar.com

Nick Robinson and Amandla Stenberg

and talking only through texts, she and Olly form a deep bond that leads them to risk everything to be together…even if it means losing everything. (Philstar.com)

Bryan Termulo wins ’em with his killer smile by Boy

ABundA Philstar.com

WhilE other male celebrities bank on their ruggedly handsome appeal emphasized with a tiger look, Bryan Termulo happily puts on a smile that can probably tame the angriest pretty woman out there. Why not, he really is someone who can vouch that he is a true-blue good boy — face value and the works. You can’t expect the singer-host to be involved in a brawl on a late night liquor binge with his gang of bohemians. For one, he doesn’t drink or smoke. Secondly, he Bryan Termulo doesn’t crave for night life and the exciting dangers that go with it. introduce to their parents, Bryan “di talaga part ng system ko notices, ”my hosting for Salamat ang magbisyo. hindi ako enjoy dok endeared me more to mothers, gawin and probably dahil yun sa adventurers and the healthupbringing ng parents ko sa akin,” conscious. i hope that i serve well Bryan shares. as ice-breaker for those highfalutin no explanation is needed to medical terms.” such kind of upbringing. it’s obvious he does and to such positive that his parents Benigno and Ruth effect, thanks to his amiable Termulo are effective enough to personality. mold a good-natured persona in By personal urge, he flew to their son whose definition of excess iran which he describes as a safe is a deep interest for traveling. place. he also visited Russia, a place True enough, Bryan is hosting close to his heart as it is in the tip of a travel segment on ABS-CBn’s his tongue. he is seriously learning Salamat dok for two years now. how to speak the Russian language more than just reaching places, he that he even enrolled at the Ateneo does it to promote health by going language school. to provinces like Zamboanga del Amusingly, by now he knows Sur and do organic farming. how to sing around 10 Russian Always sounding like a man songs. That should sound cool to that single ladies would like to hear during his live gigs.

A decade back, good guy Bryan won public acclaim after his runnerup finish in Pinoy Pop Superstar 3. he released two albums, the first in 2010 called Begin and two years later the follow-up hanggang ngayon which earned gold status. “Sa akin i don’t put pressure on anything as i believe in destiny. But i don’t stop dreaming. Right now i hope magkaroon ako ng hit songs na tatak-Bryan. Original songs na sasabayan ng tao at identified sa akin,” he says. That only goes to show he wants to up the ante after solidifying his status as a competent cover artist. Some of the familiar songs he rendered in his own voice are Pagdating ng Panahon for dahil Sa Pag-ibig; dadalhin for Walang hanggan; and Bakit Ba Ganyan for honesto. For a time, he acted in a few teleseryes himself. But now, he is focused on bringing his balladeer voice to a new level, as well as his look and style. A recent development made sure that his singing career is going on a higher plane this year which is his 10th anniversary in showbiz. he just signed with Asian Artists Agency, inc. (AAAi), a talent management company. Bryan is no doubt a dude perfectly fit to the catch line “every good boy does fine.” Adding to that, every good boy like him is blessed.

iT is no secret how much actress Yassi Pressman loves her father Ronnie, just like every “daddy’s girl” out there. Everyone was touched when Yassi cried as she missed her father’s birthday for the first time in her life, a scene shown on the reality TV show “Pinoy Big Brother” last year. now, in the outside world, Yassi makes it a point that even she is busy, she and dad will celebrate Father’s day together. “i hope na wala akong taping. Pero as of now, meron akong schedule. So gagawin ko na lang, papaagahan ko nalang yung work para matapos nang maaga. Sana we’ve got to finished early para makapagdinner kami. Ganun lang. Simple lang,” Yassi told Philstar.com. Since she is being raised by her “single dad,” the actress, popularly known as Alyana in the hit teleserye “Ang Probinsyano,” and her 88-year-old father have

Actress Yassi Pressman and the dads in her lives: With dad Ronnie (left) and with her husband in the soap “Ang Probinsyano,” Coco Martin.

formed a strong bond - just like best friends. her father was even in Trinoma to accompany Yassi when she judged the Jack ‘n Jill Calbee dance Challenge. “he’s amazing. he’s everything that i needed,” Yassi said. Yassi is currently busy with her role in the “Ang Probinsyano” and will have a movie soon titled, “Ang Pambansang Thirdwheel.” Also, Yassi encourages dancers out there to join the do The Calbeats dance Challenge

online, where participants are invited to make their own Calbeat dance covers to be posted publicly on Facebook, Twitter or instagram. For his part, Ronnie said he is really proud of what Yassi has achieved so far. “She made me the luckiest man in the world. i really am proud of her. She does have remarkable talent. i remember when she was a little thing in my hand and now she’s a big girl,” Ronnie shared.

Kindness as the antidote for the... From Page 5

piercing screams of the damned, without the presence of God for all eternity, and forever blotted out from all memory except their own. is it possible that the morally bankrupt and depraved, regard the taking of a life as an option when things do not go their way or when the course of their lives hit a snag and overweening pride tells them to end it all, instead of getting down on their knees to pray to the God of their beings for the humility, the courage and the strength to endure? Gone is the fear of God, much less the love of God. As we steer farther and farther away from God and place something else in the center of our lives, scenarios of helplessness and despair such as what we are witnessing more frequently these days may be expected to unfold with eerie regularity. many of us have become egocentric, overly individualistic,

self-absorbed individuals. Perhaps during this period of testing, we would be a lot happier, healthier and less prone to veer towards lives of quiet desperation if we focused less and less on ourselves and more on the welfare of the other person and commit spontaneous, frequent acts of kindness and generosity to family members, total strangers and even those we struggle to love. it would be a tough slog but doable. ACTS OF KindnESS, countless and given without expectations of return are the AnTidOTE to the darkness of depression and thoughts of murder-suicide. These are like shafts of bright light that warm the human heart. There was one telling incident i never quite forgot. long ago, i was running breathlessly huffing and puffing in my stilettos to drop some coins on a parking meter on Wilshire Boulevard i knew had expired because of a long, drawnout presentation i was making on

the upper floor of a nearby high rise. Fortunately, i narrowly missed getting a thirty-some dollar fine from the parking enforcer because a panhandler had dropped some coins for my car’s meter, from his can of coins. it stunned me to see him feeding all the meters that were expiring on that block. Of course, he may have been merely trying to annoy the heck out of the parking enforcer. Who knows? i only saw the kindness in the act. That stayed with me. From then on, i would remember and always be inspired by the completely anonymous gesture of that person who had practically nothing but still gave of the little he had. That’s when i knew kindness is contagious like the flu. n *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

june 23-29, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

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