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Palace: Trump, Xi calls show Duterte’s ‘statesmanship’ by Dana

SioSon AJPress

the recent calls from the heads of the United states and China show the ‘statesmanship’ of Philippine President rodrigo Duterte being appreciated by leaders of the world, according to malacañang. In a news briefing on thursday, may 4, Philippine Presidential spokesman ernesto Abella said that phone conversations from the leaders of two of the world’s most powerful countries show how the filipino president is recognized as a key player in southeast Asia. “It indicates statesmanship, that he is actually a key player in maintaining peace in the region,” Abella remarked. “As the president of the Unites states said, the Philippines is key right now in the region.”

USA

DATELINE Filipina murdered in Walnut Creek, Calif. from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

A fILIPINA was fatally shot in the east Bay on thursday, April 27 by a man she was dating for the past two years, according to police. roselyn Policarpio, 47, was walking near the Lindsey Wildlife experience in Walnut Creek, California around 1:30 p.m. before she was shot four times by Gregory Prokopowicz. the 38-year-old suspect fled the scene but was found hours later in the city of martinez sitting in the passenger’s seat of a mercedes, wherein he barricaded himself. the driver of the vehicle was briefly detained, but was released after being interviewed. Prokopowicz was arrested on friday afternoon following a 19-hour standoff with a police sWAt team. he was in the possession of a gun and knives and was high on drugs, various reports said. Prokopowicz was charged with first-degree murder on tuesday, may 2, according to the

the successive calls follow the 30th Association of southeast Asian Nations (AseAN) summit on April 29, which was chaired by Duterte. With Duterte’s role being valued by other leaders, Abella also called on fellow filipinos to appreciate the Philippine president as well. “It just goes to show the president is being recognized for his leadership in the area. the locals should also show a better appreciation of their president,” Abella added. earlier on Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly had a phone conversation with Duterte. since assuming the presidency last June, Duterte has been notably exerting efforts in forming warmer ties with China, which were apparently strained VISITING WARSHIP. President Rodrigo Duterte is given a tour inside the China’s guided missile destroyer Chang Chun with Chinese Ambassador over territorial disputes in the south China sea. Zhao Jianhua. The Chinese warship visited Duterte’s hometown in Davao City on Monday, May 1 to raise the prospect of future joint exercises, Malacañang photo PAGE A2 highlighting fast-warming relations despite competing claims in the South China Sea.

After passing Bar exams, DFA to Beijing:‘Pag-asa Island is ours’ ex-janitor now sought after by Jaime

R. PilaPil ManilaTiames.net

by Julie

auRelio

Inquirer.net

CommIssIoN on elections (Comelec) chair Andres Bautista on thursday, may 4 invited one of its employees who passed the 2016 Bar exams to consider a career as an election officer. Bautista said he met with Bar passer ramil Comendador, 35, who began as utility worker in the agency before moving up as legal researcher and later election assistant in malabon City. “I am encouraging him to apply for an election officer position in metro manila. he wants to continue serving the Comelec and the filipino electorate,” Bautista said of Comendador, who was hired by

then commissioner rene sarmiento as utility worker in 2006. Comendador made it to the list of 3,747 successful Bar examinees released by the supreme Court on Wednesday, may 3. he placed 914th. Bautista praised Comendador for his faith and fortitude in studying law while juggling his work. “his story of faith and fortitude, patience and perseverance is not only inspiring but should be emulated by all,” the poll official said. Bautista expressed confidence that other opportunities for career advancement will land on Comendador’s lap, with a position as elec- DFA spokesman Robespierre Bolivar tion officer serving as the immediate next step. PAGE A2

the Department of foreign Affairs (DfA) on tuesday, may 2, issued a strong statement dismissing the claim of Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua that the Philippines’ planned improvement works at Pag-asa Island would be illegal. “Pag-asa Island and the larger Kalayaan Island Group are a municipality of Palawan,” DfA spokesman robespierre Bolivar told reporters. “Any visit or activity we undertake there are part and parcel of our constitutional mandate to ensure the safety, well-being, and livelihood of our citizens living in this municipality,” he asserted. China’s envoy Zhao said monday, may PAGE A2

Cayetano to lead drug war defense before UN by AJPress

the administration of Philippine President rodrigo Duterte is set to defend its drug war and human rights record before the United Nations Commission on human rights (UNChr) next week. the Philippine delegation to the third Cycle of the Universal Periodic review of the UN human rights Council will be co-headed by senator Alan Peter CayIN an unprecedented move, the City of Ceretano, who is notably among Duterte’s ritos, California has elected two filipino Ameristaunchest ally. cans to its city council. “[We will be] presenting the huon Wednesday, April 26, current Cerritos Councilmember and former mayor mark Pu- Ramil Comendador made it to the list of 3,747 successful Bar examinees released by the Supreme man rights report for their [UN’s] 3rd Inquirer.net photo by Lyn Rillon Inquirer.net photo PAGE A2 Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano lido and newly-elected frank Aurelio Yokoyama Court on Wednesday, May 3. He placed 914th. were inducted at a mayoral transition ceremony in the Cerritos City Council Chambers as two of the city’s council members. Pulido, a lifelong Cerritos resident, was reelected for a second term while Yokoyama — by Dana SioSon earlier in february, Lopez ordered the closure who is half filipino and half Japanese-American AJPress of 23 companies and the suspension of five oth— has finally won a seat on the city council after the Commission on Appointments (CA) ers. she also ordered the cancellation of 75 mina few unsuccessful past campaigns. rejected the ad interim appointment of envi- eral production sharing agreements (mPsAs) in “thank you, Cerritos voters, for giving me the ronment secretary Gina Lopez on Wednesday, watersheds and the banning of “prospective” chance to serve my hometown, to serve you,” open-pit mines in the country. may 3. Yokoyama, an attorney, remarked at the special In a media briefing shortly after the anLopez’s rejection came after three confirmeeting. “I will work hard for you, I will do my mation hearings questioning the legalities of nouncement of her appointment’s rejection, best for you, thank you.” her orders, particularly against mining com- Lopez grieved at how business interests supAnother “homegrown son of Cerritos”, Yoposedly affected the CA’s decision. panies. koyama was a member of the Cerritos Planning According to her, 16 CA members voted Commission as well as a real estate broker, a local business owner and a youth basketball and Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Chair of the Committee on Environment against her while only eight voted in her fasoccer coach. and Natural Resources of the Commission on Appointments (CA) vor. “It’s very sad that in the Commission on ApPulido praised Yokoyama’s win and regards welcomes Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez before the resumption of the CA hearing on her ad interim pointments, clearly, business interest have run him as a close friend. In an interview after the PAGE A2

Two Fil-Ams elected to Cerritos City Council

CA rejects Gina Lopez appointment as DENR chief

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appointment on Tuesday, May 2.

Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo

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From the Front Page

Palace:Trump, Xi calls show... PAGE A1 According to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the two leaders exchanged views in addressing regional issues, citing, in particular, the rising tension between the U.S. and North Korea in the Korean Peninsula. Meanwhile, China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency quoted Xi

urging parties involved to exercise restraint in the area. The DFA said Duterte also “referred to China’s important role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula,” encouraging Beijing to serve as a mediator between Washington and Pyongyang. “[Duterte] also mentioned that as the Chair of ASEAN, ASEAN

discussed and agreed on measures to promote ASEAN unity, centrality and solidarity as well as ASEAN commitment to continue promoting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region,” it added. The phone conversation between Duterte and Xi came days after U.S. Donald Trump called the Philippine president. Surprising his own staff, Trump telephoned Duterte on Saturday, April 29. They reportedly tackled the ASEAN’s concern regarding regional security as well, including the rising tension in Korean Peninsula. Trump also extended Duterte an invitation to the White House and reiterated his commitment to the PH-U.S. alliance. In a statement, Malacañang clarified that Xi’s call to Duterte is not a response from Trump’s earlier call. “This is all part of the context of ASEAN,” Abella explained. “This is not a direct response, a direct reaction to the call from another leader. It was a friendly assessment to the happenings in the region, especially after the ASEAN meetings.”

After passing Bar, ex-janitor... PAGE A1 An election officer must have a bachelor’s degree relevant to the job and a career service professional eligibility, with no experience or training required. Comelec officials took to social media to praise Comendador and express admiration for his achievement. “His story is a big inspiration, regardless of the title he holds. Hats off to you, attorney. You’ll never have to pay for another beer when I’m around!” wrote poll spokesperson James Jimenez on his Twitter account, @jabjimenez. “Thanks for the inspiring visit, compañero. May there be more of you in this world,” Commissioner Luie Guia said on his Twitter account @LTFGuia. Former poll Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal called Comendador an inspiration for those in government service.

KIKO AS MINORITY CA’s NEW LEADER. Senate President and Commission on Appointments (CA) Chair Koko Pimentel III congratulates Senator Kiko Pangilinan after he was appointed as the CA’s new Minority Leader, Wednesday afternoon. Pangilinan replaced Senator Ralph Recto who joined the Majority in the Senate. Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo

DFA to Beijing:‘Pag-asa Island...

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1 that “we view the occupation by the Philippine side of those islands as illegal. And so the buildings on it are also illegal.” Pag-asa Island is the largest of the islands under the municipality of Kalayaan, which was created in 1978. The town, which has 180 residents, has a complete political structure. The town center is on Pag-asa Island, which China calls “Thitu.” Zhao, in response to questions from reporters, uttered the controversial statement while President Rodrigo Duterte was touring three Chinese warships that visited Davao City on Monday, May 1. “It’s common practice. In our position, we have the ownership of those islands and reefs. And whichever airplanes or aircraft intrude, we will give them warnings,” said Zhao. It was Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, during his visit to Pag-asa Island last month with military generals, who announced that the government had earmarked at least P1 billion to improve facilities on Pag-asa Island, including the repair of an airstrip. Lorenzana had pointed to China’s extensive development of Subi Reef. Satellite images have shown anti-aircraft guns and weapons systems on the reef, which is being claimed by Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

China has sparked regional concern by turning reefs and shoals in contested areas into artificial islands, installing military facilities and airstrips on some of them. Duterte, elected last year, has distanced himself from traditional longtime ally the United States. He has played down the country’s territorial dispute with China in favor of seeking greater economic aid and investment from Beijing. A statement issued after the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit in Manila merely took note of “concerns expressed by some leaders over recent developments in the area.” It also ignored last year’s international ruling outlawing China’s sweeping claims to the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). Asean members the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei claim parts of the waterway, but China insists it has sovereign rights over nearly all of it. Foreign Affairs Executive Director Zaldy Patron said not one of the Asean leaders “strongly pushed” against China’s militarization and reclamation activities. He said the Asean chairman’s statement was also silent on the ruling of the United Nationsbacked arbitral tribunal that favored the Philippines in its case against China because there was no consensus among members

of the bloc. “There is no mention of arbitration because last year, even last year in Vientiane, there was no consensus to have it reflected in any of the Asean statements,” Patron said. “During the Plenary and Summit, there was no leader that mentioned inclusion or made reference to land reclamation, militarization and arbitration. So that was what we are trying to reflect in the Chairman’s statement,” he added. What the leaders highlighted, he said, were the efforts of the Asean and China to strengthen cooperation and repair ties that have been frayed by the sea row. ‘Harassment reports unverified’ Zhao downplayed reports from Filipino fishermen about being harassed by Chinese vessels in March over the disputed waters, particularly in the Union Banks of the Kalayaan group. “I think the reports of harassment have never been verified. It is only reports. I haven’t seen any hard evidence supporting that allegation,” Zhao said. Sino-Philippine relations remain strong as shown by multimillion dollar infrastructure projects, Zhao said. “I don’t think that the small issues will affect the overall direction of our bilateral relationship,” the Chinese ambassador said. (With AFP)

Cayetano to lead drug war defense... PAGE A1

review, which is every three years,” Cayetano told reporters in an interview on Tuesday, May 2. The senator will be joined by Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra and Undersecretary Severo Catura, head of the presidential human rights committee. “Well, we’re always ready to defend our country, the president’s intentions, what’s happening in our country,” Cayetano said. The team is set to defend the Duterte administration on Monday, May 8 in Geneva, Switzerland but according to the senator, they are to leave Manila earlier on Thursday, May 4 to attend “side events.” Asked about the team’s objective, Cayetano responded: “Tell the truth. Tell the real numbers and tell the facts.” “We believe after the presenta-

tion the wrong facts on the campaign against drugs will be clarified,” Cayetano said. The UN has repeatedly raised concerns over the alleged spate of summary killings linked with Duterte’s anti-illegal drugs campaign, which has reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 7,000 Filipinos from both legitimate police operations and vigilante-style or unexplained killings since he took office last June. Recently, the UN-linked International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) condemned anew the supposed extrajudicial killings in the country, saying that “extrajudicial action, purportedly taken in pursuit of drug control objectives, is fundamentally contrary to the provisions and objectives” of international drug conventions. The INCB previously called on the Philippine government to put an “immediate stop” to the killings in August last year.

Duterte, in response, has repeatedly lambasted the UN for allegedly interfering with the internal affairs of the Philippines. While Cayetano said they would not deny that there are indeed human rights violations, he maintained, however, that those are not state-sponsored. “We’re also honest that there are human rights violation[s], but [they are] not state-sponsored. We have to be careful to communicate to the world what’s really happening but to properly assign blame. Kailan pulis [ang] may kasalanan, kailan pusher ang may kasalanan (When is the police is at fault, when is the pusher at fault),” Cayetano explained. He further added, “Huwag natin sabihin na walang pagkakamali ang pulis (Let’s not say that the police have not done anything wrong) but let’s not blame everything on the police or uniformed personnel, when it’s the drug lords pulling the strings.”

Filipina murdered in Walnut Creek... PAGE A1 Contra Costa County district attorney’s office. He entered a plea of not guilty on Wednesday, May 3. Policarpio reportedly had plans to see her 25-year-old son, Don, on Thursday afternoon, according to the East Bay Times. When Don called her cellphone about 10 minutes after the shooting, Prokopowicz answered. “You’ll never be able to speak to your mom again. I killed her,” the suspect said, as relayed by Don to the news outlet. Policarpio, who migrated from the Philippines in 2008 with her then-husband, daughter and three sons, was described as having a “gentle and quiet spirit,” according to McAfee’s chief human resources officer, Chatelle Lynch. The Filipina was employed at the software company for a year about six years ago. She subsequently worked at the American College of Nursing in Concord, California, where she met Prokopowicz, who was a student there. The two entered into a romantic relationship, and family members began to notice behavioral changes in Policarpio. The couple eventually moved

Photo from a GoFundMe page shows Roselyn Policarpio (center) with her four children. Policarpio was fatally shot on Thursday, April 27 by Gregory Prokopowicz in Walnut Creek, California. Photo courtesy of the Policarpio family

to Anchorage, Alaska in January 2016. However, Policarpio told her children that the relationship turned violent and fled back to California in July. According to interviews with family members, Prokopowicz returned to Walnut Creek soon after and Policarpio went back to him. She had planned to break up with Prokopowicz the day she was murdered, according to her son Don.

Policarpio’s family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for her funeral expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/ roselyn-policarpio-funeral. As of this writing, the page has raised nearly half of the $8,000 goal. “Justice will come soon,” the page says. “The aim of the campaign is to raise funds to give Roselyn the decent and proper last rites she deserves.” (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)

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BEAUTIES FOR MENTAL HEALTH. Senator Risa Hontiveros (2nd from right) is flanked by mental health advocates (from left) Jerika Ejercito, Antoinette Taus and Miss International 2016, Kylie Versoza, who attended a Senate session Tuesday afternoon in support of the passage on third reading of the Mental Health Bill. Hontiveros thanked her colleagues for passing the measure, saying that with its passage, people with mental health needs “will no longer endure an invisible illness and an invisible war.” Senate photo by Albert Calvelo

Healthy California Act wins support from Senate Health Committee in push for universal healthcare CALIFORNIA took a major step toward universal health coverage on Wednesday, April 26, when the state’s Senate Health Committee approved the Healthy California Act (Senate Bill 562). The final vote is pending but a majority of members approved. Sens. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) and Toni G. Atkins (DSan Diego) have proposed to cover all California residents with a publicly run plan. “With today’s vote we are closer to being able to say, once and for all, that healthcare is not a privilege, it’s a human right,” said state Senator Ricardo Lara. “Every family, every child, every senior deserves healthcare that costs less and covers more, and California has a chance to lead the

rest of the nation toward universal care.” Hours before the vote, nearly 1,000 people rallied in support of the Healthy California Act at the Sacramento Convention Center and marched to the Capitol for the hearing at the Senate Health Committee. The Healthy California Act will be heard next by the Appropriations Committee, which Sen. Lara chairs. A fiscal study is underway. Highlights of the Healthy California Act: • Covers Californians for all medical care, including inpatient, outpatient, emergency care, dental, vision, mental health, and nursing home care. • Eliminates co-pays and insurance deductibles

• Californians can choose their doctor from a full list of health care providers, not a narrow network chosen by insurance companies. • Referrals are not required for a member to see any eligible provider. • Californians are covered when they travel. • Physicians and nurses will make decisions about care, and have the ability to override computers or clinical practice guidelines in the best interest of the patient. • Healthy California will be governed by a nine-member, unpaid board appointed by the governor and Legislature and a public advisory committee of doctors, nurses, other health care providers, and consumers.

Calif. senate unveil new post 2020 Cap and Trade program SB 775 will add financial stability to system, reduce volatility, and provide consumer rebates

SACRAMENTO — State Senators Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) and Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León recently announced a new and improved Cap and Trade program to take effect in 2021 and maintain California’s global leadership in the fight against climate change. SB 775, which will be heard in the Senate Environmental Quality Committee on May 10, eliminates some of the key weaknesses of the existing system and puts Cap and Trade on solid

ground through 2030. The bill requires two-thirds support in the Legislature. “SB 775 shows that we are listening carefully to those who have concerns about the current system and we are targeting those weak points to build a better, more predictable and more stable program to enable California to meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals and stay in the forefront on climate change issues,” said Wieckowski, chair of the Environmental Qual-

ity Committee. “This new, post2020 program puts money back into consumers’ pockets through climate rebates, and includes a price floor and ceiling at quarterly auctions to eliminate the wild fluctuations we’ve experienced in the past. It puts a cap on the price of carbon and limits it by law. While others may be retreating on climate change, this bill is a clear statement that California will continue to lead the way on clean energy issues.” PAGE A4

himself should replace her as Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) chief. “My choice for DENR Secretary is President Duterte,” she said. “I can’t think of any other person. One, it needs guts, it needs tapang because you have to step on business interests…” Lopez is Duterte’s second cabinet official rejected by the CA. The bicameral body earlier rejected Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. over citizenship issues. She was also bypassed by the CA last month but Duterte reappointed her. Senator Manny Pacquiao, who led the confirmation hearings, expressed admiration for Lopez’s “passion and love for the environment.” “I believe in my heart that no matter how several big people may be against Gina, she will always stand by what she believes is

morally and environmentally right and righteous,” he said. Following Lopez’s rejection, Malacañang expressed ‘deep concern’ over the the bicameral body’s decision. “She has contributed a lot of meaningful insights into the environment and Philippine environmental situation. It is of course — it is with deep concern that the CA has seen fit to reject her appointment,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement. Abella, however, clarified, that Malacañang respects the CA’s judgment. “On the other hand, it is a democratic process and we respect their decision. At this stage, we will leave it at that,” he added. Asked about a possible replacement for the DENR chief post, Abella said the Office of the President has yet to make an announcement.

CA rejects Gina Lopez appointment... PAGE A1

the day. And I think that needs to be reevaluated because how can a body, which is mandated to make decisions based on the common good, make decisions based on business interests?” Lopez said. For her, such officials influenced by business interests have “lost the moral ascendancy to rule the government.” “Who suffers if you kill the environment? It’s the poor. And whose duty is it to protect our people? It’s the government and when you make decisions based on business interests, you have shirked your responsibility,” Lopez stressed. “You have lost the moral ascendancy to rule the government because to you, business and money is more important than the welfare of the people,” she further added. In jest, Lopez even suggested that President Rodrigo Duterte

Two Fil-Ams elected to Cerritos City... PAGE A1 ceremony, Pulido told the Asian Journal that he is once again is looking forward to having another Fil-Am serving on the city council. “We happen to be Americans of Filipino ancestry who are participating in the American democratic process to provide leadership for our respective communities,” Pulido — who became the city’s first FilipinoAmerican mayor in 2014 — remarked. “That’s really the story here: that [Filipino Americans] are now becoming a part of governing the community, not just being civically engaged. We’re now responsible for governing and making the important decisions for the betterment of all people in our community.” Acknowledging the induction of another Fil-Am councilmember, Pulido said he’s “grateful for the opportunity to serve as a role model for Filipino American youth” to encourage them to become more involved in participating in government. The diverse community of

Frank Aurelio Yokoyama

Mark Pulido

Cerritos is home to more than 49,000 residents, with about 9,000 of them being Filipino residents. Since first being elected to the Cerritos City Council in 2011, Pulido has become an important figure in the city, which is gradually becoming more and more diverse. After his first stint on the city council, Pulido served as mayor pro tempore in 2013-2014, may-

or in 2014 and was re-elected to the Cerritos City Council in 2015. Additionally, he was mayor pro tempore in 2017. “It’s truly a testament to the commitment and persistence of the Filipino-American community who lifted me up every time to have a seat at the table and to be able to voice our community’s concerns,” Pulido expressed. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

AJPress file photo by Ding Carreon

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NYT, Washington Post condemn Trump for Duterte invite MorAllo Philstar.com

Gen. Robert B. Brown (left), Commanding General, U.S. Army Pacific, presents a replacement Purple Heart medal to Elisea Alagon Jamoralin (center), whose father Pfc. Adriano Alagon died while serving with the Philippine Scouts during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. Looking on is Philippine Consul General in Honolulu Gina A. Jamoralin, the granddaughter of Pfc. Alagon. Photo from US Embassy in the Philippines website / U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher McCullough

US replaces lost Purple Heart medal of Filipino war hero The statement said the formal turnover of the medal was held at Fort Shafter headquarters in Honolulu, “a building used during World War II to plan for the liberation of the Philippines in 1944.” Brown, who presented the medal, said “Through the horrors and terror of this period, we can take what endures over the years: the freedom and sacrifices made for our two nations by soldiers like Pfc. Alagon.” Alagon, a member of the 14th Engineer Battalion of the Philippine Scouts, served with American forces during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.

THE United States government has awarded a replica of a Purple Heart medal to the family of a Philippine Scout who fought in World War II. The US Embassy in Manila said in a statement that Gen. Robert B. Brown, Commanding General of the United States Army Pacific, presented the replica to the daughter of Private First Class Adriano Alagon. Alagon was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart but it was lost in the aftermath of the World War II, the Embassy said. His daughter, Elisea Alagon Jamoralin, received the replica in behalf of the family.

He was captured by the Japanese on his birthday and was forced to participate in the infamous Bataan Death March. He was killed after two years of being a prisoner of war. Alagon’s granddaughter Philippine Consul General in Honolulu Gina Jamoralin was the one who contacted the US Army for the replacement medal. “Today’s event is the culmination of my search for answers in what might have been forgotten by succeeding generations,” she said. “While we miss our grandfather, we are consoled by the fact he died for his country and we are deeply proud of him.” (Inquirer.net)

Calif. senate unveil new post 2020...

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SB 775 also creates an Economic Competitiveness Assurance Program to protect California manufacturers covered by Cap and Trade. It ensures that every business that sells carbonintensive products in the state is treated fairly and competes on a level playing field. “We’ve already decided as a Legislature and as a state that we want to dramatically reduce pollution and move toward a clean energy future,” De León said. “That debate is over. Now we’re deciding how we get there. And our best bet is to stay the course

we’re on with some adjustments to make sure we protect consumers, keep the market stable and reach our targets.” The existing Cap and Trade system is a rule adopted by state regulators to help reduce heat-trapping gases that cause global warming. Putting a price on carbon is seen by experts as key to reducing its production and driving investment and innovation into new, lower polluting technologies. Passing a new program beyond 2020 with twothirds support would help insulate Cap and Trade from legal challenges.

SB 775 directs revenue to three newly created funds: California Climate Infrastructure Fund, California Climate and Clean Energy Research Fund, and the California Climate Dividend Fund. By simplifying carbon pricing, the post-2020 Cap and Trade program would be more easily replicated by other states or countries seeking to reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions. Wieckowski chairs the Senate Environmental Quality Committee and served as a Senate delegate to the Paris Climate Conference.

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Kobe Paras to return to Philippines after leaving Creighton KOBE Paras will take his time to plot his next move in his young career. In a statement released by his high school team Middlebrooks, the 6-foot-6 prodigy will use the month to evaluate “new collegiate opportunities.” The statement also said Paras will be coming back to the Philippines before flying to Canada for an event. Paras on Sunday, April 30 announced he is parting ways with Creighton University after just one season. He saw limited minutes with the Bluejays and only played 15 out of 35 games. He averaged 1.3 points and 1.0 rebounds. Before playing for the United States, Paras was a standout from De La Salle-Greenhills. La Salle Sports Development Executive Director Emmanuel Calanog, in a separate interview, told Philstar.com that they are keeping their doors open should Paras decided to suit up for them. “If plans do not work out there, La Salle will always welcome Kobe here and we are hopeful that he can also consider us among his choices. For now, we are happy for him and we want him to see his potentials developed there, and most especially for his education,” Kobe Paras he said. (Philstar.com)

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“Like so much else under President Trump, though, this idea has now been turned on its head and people are worried about the very survival of the values on which America built its reputation and helped construct an entire international system, including the United Nations. The latest example is Mr. Trump’s decision to invite Rodrigo Duterte, the president of the Philippines, to the White House,” its editorial said. Duterte has been critical of the US for raising human rights concerns over the war on drugs. In a visit to China last year, Duterte announced that he was separating from the US, a declaration that his spokespersons later clarified as the president merely emphasizing the Philippines’ shift to an independent foreign policy. “I have separated from them so I will be dependent on you (China) for a long time but don’t worry we will also help,” Duterte said at the same venue. America’s reputation at stake The newspaper further said that although the U.S. must work with its allies, Trump’s uncritical embrace of those who showed the least regard for human rights, rule of law and democracy would undermine America’s reputation. “American presidents must work with foreign leaders of all kinds to advance the national interest. But Mr. Trump erodes America’s reputation when he uncritically embraces those who show the least regard for human rights, rule of law and democracy,” it said. Although the Philippines is an ally, the newspaper says, Duterte is not a democratic leader nor a worthy ally because of the killings which have risen exponentially since his assumption of the presidency. The Philippine government has denied that there are extrajudicial killings and has insisted that it upholds human rights. It has questioned the reports of up

to 9,000 deaths attributed to the drug war. The newspaper explained that Trump’s fondness for Duterte MANILA — Two American could be because of authoritarnewspapers on Tuesday, May 3 ian tendencies and his loathslammed the invitation of U.S. ing of checks and balances of President Donald Trump for the government. It mentioned President Rodrigo Duterte to visit Trump’s admiration of President the White House, saying that the Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, American leader should instead President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of condemn the brutality the PhilipEgypt, President Xi Jinping and pine leader’s war on drugs. Russia’s Vladimir Putin as eviIn separate scathing editorials, dence of this tendency. The New York Times and The The Post said in its editoWashington Post condemned rial: “A subtle U.S. policy would Trump’s invitation to Duterte, recognize the need for U.S.which was given during their Philippine cooperation without conversation late Saturday night, endorsing the contemptible ofMay 29 after Manila hosted the fenses of the current president. leaders of Southeast Asian naInstead, President Trump has oftions for a regional summit. fered Mr. Duterte an unqualified The Times said that Duterte embrace that effectively blesses was not a man who should be his murderous campaign. In so welcomed to the White House doing, Mr. Trump sends Asians considering the number of killthe message that there is no difings that has transpired under ference between China’s amoral his rule in Davao City during his foreign policy and that of this time as its mayor and now that U.S. administration.” he is the president of the PhilImplied endorsement of drug ippines, and his insult directed war at former President Barack The Washington newspaper Obama. also criticized the Trump White “The mayhem got so bad that House for saying that “the Philiplast week a Filipino lawyer forpine government is fighting very mally asked the International hard to rid its country of drugs.” Criminal Court to charge Mr. It said that saying the Philippines Duterte and 11 officials with was “fighting very hard” amountmass murder and crimes against ed to saying that Duterte’s tactics humanity over the extrajudicial have been appropriate and neckillings of nearly 10,000 people essary. over the past three decades,” “‘Fighting hard’ is one way — The Times said. the wrong way — to describe the “During the last administrawanton killing by police and vigition, Mr. Duterte disrespected lantes of accused dealers and usPresident Barack Obama by callers. It implies that Mr. Duterte’s ing him the “son of a whore” and tactics are appropriate or necthreatened to abandon his counessary, which they are not. Mr. try’s alliance with the United Trump ought to have shunned States for one with China.” the Filipino leader until he reined It concluded: “This is obviin those practices. Instead, he inously not a man who should be vited him to the White House” welcomed to the White House.” The Post said. The Times, which has been It added that the invitation to very critical of Duterte since he Duterte was needed by Trump’s assumed the Philippine presiadministration to counter China dency in June last year, said that instead of to mobilize the region the decision to invite Duterte against North Korea over which was against American values and the Philippines did not have any would erode its reputation as a influence. “moral compass.” The Post also admitted the complex challenge Duterte posed to the American government. He was a democratically elected leader of an Asian ally needed to counter Chinese expansionism in the West Philippine Sea, yet is the “author’ of the extrajudicial killings of more than 7,000 people. The Times has been very critical of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. It has published several articles detailing the government’s brutal crackdown against illegal drugs which has claimed thousands of lives. It has also regular issued excoriating editorials against the Philippine president, calling on the international community to condemn him and even to impose trade sanctions on the Philippines. In retaliation, Duterte has cursed the newspaper and told it WHITE HOUSE CALLING. President Duterte talks to US President Trump on the phone. Photo courtesy of Secretary Christopher “Bong” Go to cease publication. by Audrey

THE Philippines has escaped a potential imposition of trade sanctions by the United States, while other major Asian economies have been put at risk. President Donald Trump, under Executive Order 13786, has ordered the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to come out with an Omnibus Report on Significant Trade Deficits that will identify U.S foreign trading partners with which it had a significant trade deficit in goods in 2016. In a notice released by the Office of the Federal Register, the Philippines was not included in the list despite the U.S having a trade deficit in goods with the country last year. Data from the U.S Census Bureau showed the U.S trade deficit with the Philippines in 2016 reached $1.78 billion. U.S trading partners on the

list are Canada, China, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The U.S will assess the major causes of the trade deficit with the identified countries, including differential tariffs, non-tariff barriers, injurious dumping, injurious government subsidization, intellectual property theft, forced technology transfer, denial of worker rights and labor standards, and other factors contributing to the deficit. The U.S will also assess whether the trading partner is,“directly or indirectly imposing unequal burdens on, or unfairly discriminating in fact against, the commerce of the United States by law, regulation, or practice and thereby placing the commerce of the United States at an unfair disadvantage.” “It is good that we are not part of that list. I don’t know what the U.S will do, probably (impose trade) sanctions,” Trade Under-

secretary Ceferino Rodolfo said. “If U.S is going to impose certain remedial measures on what could allegedly be unfair measures that these countries are currently implementing, then in a relative sense, we will be more competitive to the U.S market vis-à-vis these countries,” he added. Rodolfo said the potential imposition of trade sanctions into these countries may force manufacturing investments wanting to export their products to the U.S to shift to new locations where no trade sanctions exist such as the Philippines. “For those countries identified, if ever they will be slapped with trade sanctions companies who are currently investing in them for manufacturing, using it as a base to export to the U.S, they will transfer. They will go south and that is where they will see us because countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand are also candidates for sanctions,” he said.

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Dateline PSenate hiliPPines Minority visits De Lima in detention

House likely to drop Duterte impeachment case in two hearings by Dana

M. SioSon

AJPress

The Philippine house of Representatives will likely drop the impeachment complaint against President Rodrigo Duterte in just over a hearing or two, according to Justice Committee Chair and Oriental Mindoro Representative Reynaldo Umali. In an interview with reporters on Wednesday, May 3, Umali said the impeachment complaint against the president lacks widespread support, making the bid impossible to fly. “I try to dispose of pending matters before my committee at the earliest opportunity… It looks like that they will not support,” Umali said, referring to the Liberal Party (LP), in which most members are in opposition against some of the Duterte administration’s policies. “If there will be no support for the president’s impeachment, then I guess it can really be disposed of in one or two hearings,” Umali added. earlier in March, Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano filed an impeachment complaint against Duterte

over the president’s alleged links to the so-called Davao Death Squad (DDS), the massive killings in his war against illegal drugs, and his alleged undeclared wealth worth nearly P2.2 million. A supplementary complaint against the president was also filed for his alleged inaction over territorial issues concerning Benham Rise and the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea). Article 11, Sec. 2 of the 1987 Constitution states that the president “may be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust.” Duterte’s chief legal advisor Salvador Panelo, meanwhile, downplays the impeachment rap against the president. “They can always try, but I don’t think it will succeed. There is an overwhelming majority number in the Congress that supports the president as well as the overwhelming majority of the Filipinos in support of him too,” Panelo said. he said the impeachment is

“only intended for propaganda by the one who will file it and those who are supporting it to smear the president.” Panelo also remarked that both impeachment complaints against Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo will be “destructive for all.” echoing Duterte’s sentiments, Panelo said any impeachment filed against the country’s top two leaders should not be pursued because “it will only derail whatever legislative agenda the Congress has.” The group ‘Impeach Leni Movement,’ led by law professor Bruce Rivera, is eyeing an impeachment complaint against Robredo for allegedly betraying public trust when she sent a video message criticizing the Philippine government’s war on drugs before the United Nations. The bid against the vice president, however, has yet to get an endorsement from any lawmaker. “Instead of focusing on the national concerns, servicing the people, we’ll be engaged in politics. We have had enough of that for the last so many decades,” Panelo added.

PNP-IAS reveals ‘secret jail’ existed for more than 5 years by Dana

SioSon AJPress

The so-called “secret jail” that sparked the rage of human rights advocates has been in existence for more than five years, according to the initial investigation conducted by the Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS). Last month, a team from the Commission on human Rights (ChR) conducted a surprise jail inspection at the Manila Police District Station (MPD) 1 in Tondo, Manila, which led to the discovery of around 12 men and women allegedly detained illegally in a cell hidden behind a bookshelf. PNP-IAS said former police officers who were assigned at MPD Station 1 admitted that the “secret jail” has been long used to keep detainees.

It also said a police personnel claimed that the controversial cell was actually used to decongest the crowded police facilities. According to Chief Superintendent Leo Angelo Leuterio, Deputy Inspector General of the PNP-IAS, they are still gathering more information about the cell’s real purpose since they have been encountering contradicting claims. “Statements ng mga taong previously nandoon tapos wala na doon. Yung mga information na pumapasok sa amin, coming from other people, like retired na mga pulis na dating nandon na nakukunan pa rin namin ng information (We are still gathering statements from people who were previously worked there like retired police officers),” Leuterio said. Describing the “secret jail” as smelly and hot, Leuterio added

that the PNP-IAS observed that the facility is not an ideal place for detainees. PNP-IAS, however, admitted that most detention facilities are also in similar unhealthy conditions, citing “a tremendous increase in the number of people detained” in connection with the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs. Leuterio also blamed the slow arrival of the court’s commitment orders for the congestion of detention facilities. Regarding their investigation, the PNP-IAS affirmed that they will remain objective and fair to both parties. “IAS will never be influenced by outside elements. We will remain objective and impartial while trying to hear the sides of the human rights [advocates] o kung sino ang complainant nila (or whoPAGE A7

by aJPreSS

MeMBeRS of the Senate Minority bloc visited Senator Leila De Lima at the Philippine National Police (PNP) custodial center in Camp Crame on Monday, May 1. The minority bloc said it discussed its stances on various proposed measures and the legislative agenda with De Lima, as the Congress resumed its session on Tuesday, May 2, after a month-long break. “We sought her views on the various bills pending in the Senate so that we can carry these views to the floor during the debate,” Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said in an interview after the visit. Apart from Drilon, among the senators who visited De Lima included Senators Risa hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan, and Antonio Trillanes IV. Only Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV was not present. De Lima was arrested on February 24 for allegedly violating the Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 20. She was accused of profiting from the illegal drug trade at New Bilibid Prison (NBP) when she was a justice secretary. She has denied the allegations. According to Drilon, the minority bloc will file a petition before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) seeking permission to allow De Lima to attend ‘critical’ sessions, such as deliberations on the death penalty bill, on lowering the age of criminal responsibility, and

Senate minority members led by Sen. Franklin Drilon visit detained Sen. Leila de Lima at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center. Facebook/Kiko Pangilinan

on the postponement of barangay elections. “[T]o regularly participate is a little ambitious, baka hindi makaya (it may be unattainable). So, only in critical matters that will be discussed on the floor or in the committee, we will ask if she will be allowed,” Drilon said. In a statement, De Lima said she wants to join Senate discussions even behind bars. “I have work to do as a senator and I will continue to do so because I owe it to the more than 14 million Filipino people who voted me in office and represent them in the Senate. I hope I can participate in important debates in the Senate,” De Lima said. She cited the case of former Senator Justiniano Montano, who was charged with the non-bailable offense of multiple murders but was allowed to post bail to perform his senatorial duties in the 1950s. She also mentioned that in 2008,

then-detained Senator Trillanes was allowed to participate in Senate proceedings through teleconferencing. “I have an electoral mandate to fulfill and it is my right to attend and participate in the proceedings in the Senate,” De Lima said. She further added, “Apart from my rights as a duly-elected senator, I have to invoke my rights as a political prisoner as provided and protected under Philippine laws and jurisprudence as well as the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights.” De Lima, who is notably among the fiercest critics of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, also asserted that she did not discuss any ouster plot when fellow opposition senators visited her. “Absolutely no (destabilization) plan tackled as there is no such thing. Sorry to disappoint the paranoids among the Duterte sycophants,” De Lima said.

ASEAN’s final statement mum on arbitral ruling, China island-construction The Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASeAN) wrapped up its 30th summit over the weekend by releasing a final statement that failed to mention Manila’s historic arbitral victory against Beijing in the South China Sea. The 25-paged statement issued on Saturday, April 29 by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte as this year’s ASeAN chair was also silent regarding China’s “militarization” in the disputed waters. In July 2016, the UN-backed arbitral tribunal in The hague

invalidated China’s expansive territorial claim in the sea. It also ruled that Chinese artificial islands along the Spratlys violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China, for its part, has repeatedly refused to honor the ruling. Although it did not directly mentioned the ruling, ASeAN, however, seemingly made a vague reference to China’s reclamation and installation of military facilities in the South China Sea as “recent developments in the area.”

The statement said that it “took note of concerns” that leaders have expressed. It further added, “We reaffirmed the importance of the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercising self-restraint in the conduct of activities, and avoiding actions that may further complicate the situation, and pursuing peaceful resolution of disputes, without resorting to the threat or use of force.” The drop of the arbitral court ruling is apparently expected. PAGE A7

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OpiniOn

Features

Unified

OVER the weekend, leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened in Manila for the 30th ASEAN Summit with the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.” The 10-member countries also marked the regional bloc’s 50th anniversary, from starting as a loosely constructed regional association at the height of the Cold War to becoming a stable organization that has overcome a myriad of challenges that have come its way. Perhaps the biggest prize for ASEAN has been the preservation of peace, stability, prosperity and close relations among its members, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. This stable bond has propelled ASEAN’s economic growth and boost its international profile. As it continues its international organization, ASEAN envisions an integrated, peaceful, stable and resilient community that actively takes a leading role as a regional and global player in advancing political-security cooperation, sustainable economic growth and sociocultural development in its region and in the world. Under the chairmanship of the Philippines, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte led this year’s ASEAN Summit wherein he also engaged his fellow leaders in a dialogue to call for a united response against the illegal drug menace, which he said could destroy their societies as well.

“We must also be resolute in realizing a drugfree ASEAN. The scourge of illegal drugs threatens our gains in community building,” Dutere said in his opening remarks. Some ASEAN leaders expressed their support for Duterte’s war on drugs. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam said he shares the Philippines’ concerns on the devastating effects of drugs upon society, while Indonesian President Joko Widodo also supported the Philippine president’s resolve. Duterte also discussed other security threats facing the region including violent extremism, terrorism, piracy and armed robbery which he said were hampering regional growth and development. Despite these achievements, some political pundits have challenged the organization to grow economically and politically, to have a more dynamic ASEAN Code of Conduct and a facilitation of a deeper and more meaningful dialogue and consultation. However, in its Manila summit, there was no mention in the chairman’s statement of militarization or China’s vigorous island-building activities in the disputed waters. China asserts sovereignty on almost the entire South China Sea and has been aggressive over is-

Editorial

Street Talk GreG B. MacaBenta PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has been invited by President Donald Trump to the United States. I seem to have seen this scene before. A case of déjà vu. In September 1982, President Ferdinand Marcos made a state visit to the US, during the incumbency President Ronald Reagan, amid circumstances uncomfortably similar in many ways to that of Duterte’s forthcoming trip. Marcos had declared martial law ten years earlier, had full control of the government, and was routinely ass-licked by a compliant press. But he could do nothing about the international media that merrily broiled Marcos and the Philippines over hot coals. Here is what the New York Times wrote about the Marcos visit: “MANILA, Sept. 14— President Ferdinand E. Marcos left tonight for his first official visit in 16 years to the United States, the Philippines’ chief economic partner and military ally…. “Diplomatic and opposition sources here said they expected

Opinion

Francisco tatad AS far as public perception is concerned, President Rodrigo Duterte scored big when U.S. President Donald Trump called last week to invite him to come to the White House for talks on the future of U.S.-Philippine relations. He was clearly the big winner. No timetable was set for the visit, but it could happen before Trump comes to Manila for the East Asia Summit and the U.S.-ASEAN Leaders Summit in November and after DU30 visits Beijing and Moscow this month. Trump also invited the Prime Ministers of Thailand and Singapore to come, but it’s his invitation to DU30 that has attracted the most reaction in Washington. The U.S. press was incredulous. They had been bashing DU30 for his brutal war on drugs, which was reported to have already killed some 8,000 drug suspects, without any documentation. Last December, the New York Times ran several pages of photographs showing 57 victims of this drug

ManilaTimes.net photo

sues on the territorial disputes. It has continuously rejected other nations’ claims (including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei) on the oiland gas-rich waters. Allies not only by common interests, but by shared values and aspirations among its people,

ASEAN will set precedents for creating solutions to global challenges. Despite obstacles set by other nations, ASEAN is moving forward to pursue higher goals, ones that will withstand the test of time, and assure regional peace and stability for its people. (AJPress)

The Duterte and Marcos US trips, a case of déjà vu

that President Reagan might sound out Mr. Marcos on how he could insure a stable political transition from his authoritarian rule (writer’s note: Read that to mean “cut and cut clean.”). “Shortly before the Philippine leader’s departure, a demonstration against his rule was staged by some 2,000 people - workers, students and religious activists who gathered in front of Manila’s Roman Catholic cathedral in the Old City. “For three hours, the demonstrators chanted, prayed and otherwise voiced protests, charging that arrests of labor and youth leaders were continuing. Huge red banners branded the visit to the United States as ‘A National Betrayal’ and urged Filipinos to ‘Dismantle the U.S.-Marcos Dictatorship.’’’ And here’s what the same New York Daily wrote about Trump’s invitation to Duterte: “WASHINGTON — President Trump on Saturday invited the president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, to the White House, embracing an authoritarian leader who is accused of ordering extrajudicial killings of drug suspects and who crudely disparaged Mr. Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama...

“In fact, Mr. Duterte’s war on drugs has resulted in the deaths of several thousand people suspected of using or selling narcotics, as well as others who may have had no involvement with drugs. Human rights groups and many Western governments have condemned Mr. Duterte for the bloody campaign.” With the imposition of martial law, Marcos had dismantled the media, particularly the Manila Times and the media empire of the Lopezes, consisting of the Manila Chronicle, ABS-CBN TV and a network of radio stations across the country. Is it déjà vu that Duterte has now declared that he will not renew the franchise of ABS-CBN? And doesn’t it seem familiar that the Philippine Daily Inquirer, a daily that Duterte considers antagonistic to him, is currently on his crosshairs? But, like Marcos, Duterte has no control over the Western media which has also been routinely broiling him over hot coals. The most that Duterte and his apologists could do about a recent New York Times article critical of the government was to label it “a well-paid hack job for well-heeled clients with shady motives.” But the current anti-Duterte

reportage is benign compared to how the US media—particularly late night TV—will go to town on Duterte once he sets foot on American soil. In the first place, Duterte’s host, Trump, has become a virtual pin cushion for such late night show hosts as Stephen Colbert, as well as “Saturday Night Live.” Alec Baldwin’s riotous impersonation of Trump may yet be overshadowed by a Duterte look-alike and curse-alike. In a demented sense, Duterte may actually relish his international fame—nay, notoriety—but I frankly do not welcome the prospect of the president of the Philippines—and, by extension, the Philippines and the Filipino people—being the butt of jokes on international media. It’s one thing being portrayed as a human rights violator in the execution of his war on drugs. Pinoys can actually feel a sense of pride in being associated with a local version of Dirty Harry. But to become an international laughing stock is an entirely different thing. I don’t think any self-respecting Filipino will feel any pride in that. I certainly won’t. Even Donald Trump, as thickfaced and shameless as he is,

bristles at the TV parodies, especially those of Baldwin and Colbert. But there’s nothing Trump can do but to call media “fake” and find comfort in the cheers of his hardcore supporters. Unless Duterte’s communications specialists and apologists have resigned themselves to just brazening it (lilipas din ang kahihiyan—meaning, shame will pass), they will have to figure out how to, at least, balance or even just partly neutralize the inevitable tar-and-feather ordeal that Duterte will undergo – an ordeal that will rub off on Filipinos around the world. During the Marcos regime, there was no Facebook and no YouTube to spread the trashing, worldwide in an instant. Duterte’s formidable army of trolls and his loyal supporters may find themselves overwhelmed. Like Trump, the best that Duterte’s defenders can do is to shore up the spirits of the hardcore. But in those countries where Pinoys proliferate, the mischievous looks that they will get from others, as well as the snickers over private Duterte jokes, will not be funny. They could attribute the attacks to the “yellows” and label them “a well-paid hack job for

well-heeled clients with shady motives,” but that will be like shooting pellets at bazookas. Did I say this could be a case of déjà vu? Well, it is for me, personally. I was one of several advertising and PR executives conscripted by the late Greg Cendaña, Marcos’ Minister of Public Information, to act as advance party for the Marcos state visit and to field questions from the US media. The others were Leni Hontiveros, Joe Santamaria, Oscar Villadolid, Virgilio Pantaleon, Max Edralin, Charlie Agatep, Louie Morales, Greg Garcia, Tom Banguis, Quentin Pastrana and Emil Misa. It was the bright idea of then Philippine Ambassador to Washington Benjamin “Kokoy” Romualdez to have ad agency and PR men face the Western media, believing that we were more charming than the usual press brigade that accompanied official trips of the president. Romualdez was not necessarily right, but back then, if you were conscripted, you could only “cooperate.” But how to handle the expected barrage of punitive questions that the U.S. media would fire at us? On our first day in Washington DC, we were herded into

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Despite hostile media, DU30 wins over Trump war, under the headline, “They Are Slaughtering Us Like Animals.” These pictures just won the Pulitzer Prize for breaking news photography for Daniel Berelhulak, a free-lance photographer. After the Mindanao lawyer Jude Josue Sabio filed a 77page “communication” before the International Criminal Court at The Hague accusing DU30 of killing 9,400 victims from 1988 up to the present, the NY Times suggested in an editorial that DU30 should be stopped, and that the ICC should act swiftly on the complaint. Bad news turns good Had Trump been listening to the U.S. press, he would have considered DU30 the last person on earth to invite to the White House. He was simply bad news. But Trump delights in never paying much attention to what the press says about him; in fact, his latest famous act vis-a-vis the Washington press has been to accuse it of fake news and to snub the annual White House correspondents’ dinner, where the U.S. President was the traditional honored guest. Trump must have an extremely important reason for wanting to talk

to DU30 before their November meeting for him to risk all negative reactions to it. The tone of the Times reporting was clearly condemnatory. It described Trump’s invitation as an “embrace” with a “murderous” president, who has killed thousands, and suggested that Trump brace himself not only for “an avalanche of criticism” from human rights groups, but even for some “internal” dissent from within his own government, notably the State Department and the National Security Council. It quoted John Sifton, Asia Advocacy Director of Human Rights Watch, as saying, “By essentially endorsing Duterte’s murderous war on drugs, Trump is now morally complicit in future killings. Although the traits of his personality likely make it impossible, Trump should be ashamed of himself.” It also quoted Democratic Senator Christopher Murphy of Connecticut, a member of the Senate foreign relations committee, as saying on Twitter, “We are watching in real time as the American human rights bully pulpit disintegrates into ash.” The report sought to point out

that “embracing” DU30 was part of Trump’s policy of getting close to questionable political characters like President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, whom he had congratulated earlier for winning in a disputed referendum, Egyptian leader Abdel Fattach el-Sisi, who had come to power through a coup, and of course Russian President Vladimir Putin. Bonded by adversity Clearly, the proposed meeting of the two Presidents will not make either of them any more “acceptable” to the American media than they are right now. But their common attitude towards the American media could be the starting point of a political bonding, which could be most helpful in constructing better security and economic ties between their two countries and, especially, in dealing with China. Closer and stronger ties between the US and China have become indispensable in the face of the troublesome nuclear threat posed by North Korea. After DU30 decided to go easy on China on the South China Sea issue during the just-concluded ASEAN summit, Trump might have seen an opportunity to pursue a more

vigorous modus vivendi with Beijing, through DU30’s good offices. This would allow him to continue whatever initiative he had wanted to pursue during his summit meeting with President Xi Jinping in Florida, which came under the shadow of his missile strike on Syria. DU30 as diplomat This could create a new role for DU30. Instead of chasing drug suspects and warding off charges of extra-judicial killing wherever he goes, he would now be shoehorned into the hitherto unfamiliar world of big-power diplomacy. This is probably the break he really needs. It would certainly require a new presidential demeanor and a new presidential discourse; but the just-concluded ASEAN summit showed that he is capable of making the necessary adjustments, if and whenever needed. He even managed to dress right during the summit. In fact, without his apparently being aware of it, he may have already begun his long-intended metamorphosis. He raised some eyebrows among the ASEAN heads when he decided to squeeze two state visits—one for

the Sultan of Brunei and another for the President of Indonesia— into the run-up to the summit; but he calmly took it in stride when the Prime Minister of Singapore skipped the final ASEAN dinner and official picture-taking before the summit formally ended. Which means he’s learning fast on his feet. So far, he has said the right things about North Korea. He had sought to caution Trump not to threaten Kim Jong-un with nuclear firepower and risk an unpredictable response. These were among the most reasonable words coming from ASEAN, and Trump is probably right to exploit the possibility of cementing a deal with China and North Korea through DU30’s good offices. If that is indeed the real plan, it is hoped it finally works out. The play at sea The U.S. is an old and tested ally, but it may have some catching up to do with DU30 as far as foreign and security relations are concerned. Ever since he announced his economic and military “separation” from Washington during his state visit to China last October, he has taken

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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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ASEAN’s final statement mum on arbitral... PAGE A5

Days before the summit, Duterte said that the topic will not be discussed in the summit since the matter is “only between Manila and Beijing.” While saying that the ruling is a non-issue at the ASEAN summit, the Philippine president, however, highlighted the importance of finishing a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. Apart from the Philippines, ASEAN member-countries Vietnam, Brunei, Taiwan and Malaysia also have competing maritime claims with China. The 10-member regional bloc, together with Beijing, is expected to finish this year a framework for a COC aimed to address issues concerning the disputed sea. In its final statement, ASEAN took note of its “improving cooperation [with] China.” ASEAN also “recognized the long-term benefits that would be gained from having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability and sustainable development.” Following Tuesday, May 2, China said it welcomed ASEAN’s softer stance on the controversial waters. Korean Peninsula issue Regarding the issues concerning the rising tension in Korean Peninsula, ASEAN reiterated “full support for the denuclearization” of the area and its call for “concerned parties to explore all av-

enues for immediate dialogue.” According to recent reports, the government of North Korea was seeking the support of Southeast Asian nations in its row with the United States. Tensions have been rising in the area amid fears of Pyongyang’s further possible missile or nuclear tests, with the U.S. and North Korea continuously exchanging heated rhetoric. For the past few months, Pyongyang has been conducting nuclear tests, alarming its neighboring countries. In a show of force, U.S. has been sending high-level strategic assets to the peninsula. “We expressed our grave concern over recent developments in the Korean Peninsula, including the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) two nuclear tests in 2016 and subsequent ballistic missile launches,” ASEAN said. According to the regional bloc, North Korea’s actions “have resulted in an escalation of tensions that can affect peace and stability in the entire region.” It then urged the DPRK “to immediately comply fully with its obligations arising from all relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and stressed the importance of exercising selfrestraint in the interest of maintaining peace, security and stability in the region and the world.” On other issues

In its final remarks, ASEAN expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the Summits with Dialogue Partners last year. “We looked forward to commemorating milestone anniversaries of Dialogue Relations with Canada, the EU, India and the United States this year to add momentum to strengthening the existing partnerships,” it added. The regional bloc also welcomed the progress made in the realization of ASEAN Roll-on Roll-off (RORO) shipping network, which it said is “among the economic priority deliverables” under the Philippines’ chairmanship. The launch of its maiden voyage, routed between Davao, Philippines and Bitung, Indonesia, occurred on April 30. “The initiative would enhance the connectivity of archipelagic ASEAN and further facilitate trade and tourism, as well as provide greater impetus to the implementation of multimodal transport in the ASEAN region,” it said. ASEAN also reaffirmed its commitment to the ASEAN declaration on One ASEAN One Response, which is a collective response to disasters inside and outside of the region. Likewise, it reaffirmed its commitment to the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity and natural resources in the ASEAN region. (AJPress)

Despite hostile media, DU30 wins... PAGE A6 no concrete steps to implement that separation. The Mutual Defense Treaty, the Visiting Forces Agreement, and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement—the three treaties that define the Philippines’ defense and security ties with the U.S.— all remain undisturbed, and the regular Balikatan joint military exercises also continue. But the rhetoric and the symbolic environment have changed, while Russia and China have tried to develop closer military ties with the Philippines. Out at sea, the USS Carl Vinson, the U.S. Navy’s third Nimitzclass super carrier, accompanied by Carrier Air Wing Seventeen, Destroyer Squadron 1 and guided missile carrier Bunker Hill, represents a superior naval presence in the area. But its coming and going is hardly celebrated by the friendly media. In May 2011,

when Carl Vinson visited Manila, it elicited some mild concern after then President B.S. Aquino 3rd, together with most of his senior Cabinet members and the Armed Forces chief of staff, boarded the aircraft carrier from a U.S. military helicopter before it entered Philippine territorial waters, without the nation knowing anything about it. This happened after the execution of Osama bin Laden and the U.S. Navy buried his body from the deck of Carl Vinson into the Indian Sea. The question some observers raised then had to do with the propriety of the President and his Cabinet members boarding the foreign aircraft carrier while at sea, and its implications to the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Some pointed out that on board a foreign military vessel at sea, the commander of the vessel exercises superior authority over all on

board, and that by boarding the vessel, the President of the Philippines placed himself under the commander’s authority. The visit of the Russian large anti-submarine ship Admiral Tributs in January, and that of the guided missile cruiser Varyag this month both made quite a splash in the friendly media without igniting any controversy. The same with the current visit of the Chinese naval flotilla. The Chinese flotilla was originally scheduled to hold a reception in Manila, but had to cancel and relocate everything to Davao, where it was welcomed by the President’s daughter, Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio. On board the Tributs, the Varyag and the Chinese flotilla, DU30 posed for photos without anyone raising any question of protocolar propriety. What Malacañang has sought to underscore is DU30’s personal diplomacy. (ManilaTimes.net)

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 5-11, 2017

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PNP-IAS reveals ‘secret jail’ existed for more than 5 years

PAGE A5 ever is their complainant.) And then trying to get the statements sa pulis na na-andun (of the police),” Leuterio said. According to National Capital Region (NCR) CHR Director Gilbert Boisner, the lock-up cell does not go in line with the international standard for jails. “Detainees claim the lock-up cell does not have any source of light and ventilation,” he said. “The two urinals inside do not function, forcing many of them to urinate and [do] bowel movement in plastic bags.” ‘Illegal but necessary’ PNP Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, on the other hand, admitted that the “secret jail” may be “illegal” but said he understands the cops’ intentions. In an interview in Camp Aguinaldo, Dela Rosa explained that the cops are only trying to maximize the available space since the regular cells are already highly congested. “Legally, may pananagutan sila kasi hindi ‘yun talaga authorized but ano ngayon? Isaksak

nila ipilit doon hanggang mamatay sa suffocation yung mga nasa presuhan? (Legally, the cops are liable because it was not authorized but so what? Should they let detainees suffocate and die in the detention facilities?),” Dela Rosa argued. He said detainees told him that they were not abused and that the cops were not extorting them, contrary to earlier claims. The police chief, however, denied that he was condoning his officers. “Hindi ko sila kunukunsinti. Sinasabi ko lang na walang ginawa na masama dahil di nangotong, di nananakit, at di lumagpas reglementary period ‘yung kanilang pagkakakulong so anong masama doon? (I’m not condoning them. I’m just saying they did nothing wrong because they did not extort, hurt people, nor exceed the reglementary period of detention of a person, so what’s wrong with that?),” he stressed. Dela Rosa also questioned the timing of the CHR inspection. “Ano ang motibo niyo sa pag inspect sa panahon ng ASEAN (What is your motive for in-

specting during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ summit)?” he asked. Backing up Dela Rosa, NCR Police Office chief Director Oscar Albayalde said that the police chief “did not say that he tolerates the actions of the station commander.” “The chief said it’s just a matter of improvising. Maybe the chief of police, during his term, he saw that thing as probably the proper way to improvise. But then again, maybe the intentions were good but the manner was wrong so this will all come out in the investigation,” Albayalde told ANC. Albayalde also noted that it is important to wait for the investigation results of the investigation before jumping to any conclusions. “There’s no judgment yet that these detainees were really asked for P40,000 to P200,000 in exchange for their liberties and there’s no findings yet that these detainees were really detained there for several days already. We have to wait for the investigation here before we make any judgment,” he added.

The Duterte and Marcos US trips...

PAGE A6 a briefing room by the late Rod Reyes, who acted as Western press liaison for Malacañang, and we went through what PR practitioners call “confrontation training.” Anticipating every possible question from left field, we debated how to properly answer it. I recall that the most difficult question to dodge and parry had to do with then First Lady Imelda Marcos’s legendary extravagance and profligacy. The mischievous ones in our group actually suggested just throwing Imelda under the bus. Even the Philippine embassy staff thought that was funny. But the best laid plans of mice and communications men were not enough to neutralize the hostile media reportage, made worse by the unbelievable ignorance of the U.S. press about the Philippines. This brings me back to the subject of Duterte’s visit to the White House. Why not do it in reverse. Why not have Trump visit Malacañang instead? After all, wasn’t it Trump who first broached the idea of a visit to the Philippines? In Manila, Duterte will have the support of his army of trolls and

apologists, and he will not be the only one that the media will parody (if they still dare). There’s Leila de Lima, Noynoy Aquino, Pantaleon Alvarez and Antonio Trillanes, to mention a few—and maybe, just maybe, in the Filipino tradi-

tion of hospitality and politeness when there are guests, Duterte’s media nemesis, ABS-CBN and Philippine Daily Inquirer, will be on their best behavior. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)

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entertainment magazine may 5-11, 2017

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National Nurses Week: Celebrating Filipino nurses’ contributions to the US by AJPress THE United States will observe National Nurses Week in the coming week with festivities beginning on Saturday, May 6 through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Back in the 1980s, the celebration for nurses was only limited to a day on May 6, known as National Nurses Day. But in 1990, the American Nurses Association (ANA) created the week-long observance. By 1994, the organization moved to commemorate the entire week annually as a way to recognize the contributions the 3.1 million registered nurses (RNs) continue to make to American society. This year, the ANA has designated the week’s theme as “Nursing: the Balance of Mind, Body, and Spirit,” which is meant to encourage nurses to focus on their own physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, personal and professional wellbeing. By taking care of themselves, they, in turn, will be able to provide an extraordinary level of care to others. Leading up to National Nurses Week, we dedicate this issue of the Asian Journal to Filipino and Filipino-American nurses in the United States, given the sheer number of those who have gravitated toward the field. “Nurses are highly valued by patients. After all, in hospitals, nursing homes, managed long-term facilities, and other care centers, the nurses provide most of the medical care and direct, personal and face-to-face provision of care, interventions

and bundles of care towards patient recovery and rehabilitation. Nurses are the ones who spend 90 percent of their time with patients who get to know their nurses much more so than most of the doctors. And, the patients are always very grateful to the nurses,” said Edmund Mercado, a board member of Philippine Nurses Association of New York. The history of Filipinos migrating to the United States to be trained as nurses stems back to the 1900s. Some stayed in the country, while others returned to the Philippines to put their expertise to practice and set up nursing schools and programs. “The Philippines has sent nurses to America since it was a U.S. colony in the early 1900s; today, nearly one out of every five Filipino women in the U.S. works as a nurse,” according to a report by Quartz. (in California alone, 20.3 percent of nurses identify as Filipino.) What draws Filipinos and Fil-Ams to nursing? is it because caring for others, especially those who are sick and aging, is innate in Filipino culture? “Filipino nurses excel in the United States because caring for others — especially our elderly and family — is already a quintessential part of our culture,” shared kathleen Reyes, a registered nurse in Southern California. “Having a dynamic with our own families that includes extended

relatives and our elderly has formed our nursing skills of caring even before we pass our NCLEX. Filipino nurses are important because we do give that unique and deeply authentic [tender loving care].” For Reyes — as is the case for many Filipino families that have multi-generations of nurses — caring for others “was a family business.” “My family has a medical background and growing up i witnessed my parents share their stories of working in the hospital. it was always interesting hearing stories about my dad working night shifts and my mom loving her job in the NiCU,” she said. “i also grew up seeing my mom develop her residential care facilities and i was able to visit the grandmas and grandpas at the houses.” Mike A., a dialysis nurse in California’s Bay Area, added that his inspiration to become a nurse was from “[his] innate desire to help people and care for them in times of sickness.” For Mercado, his career as a nurse came later in life after being motivated and living among other

Inquirer.net photo

Filipino in the profession. “in 2009, i became a nurse — a noble, heroic, and according to some annual polls, the most trustworthy profession in America, more trustworthy than a priest,” he shared. Overall, Filipino nurses have reputations for being hardworking, hospitable, and compassionate. “Such is the importance of nurses in the Philippines, as well as in America and all over the world, because without caring, without all the compassion in a largely unaware world, then all is worth nothing,” Mercado said. Visit any hospital or medical facility in the U.S., and it’s seldom that you will not encounter a Filipino nurse. “Nurses are the backbone of medical field. They are the first line of defense. Filipino nurses usually are doing the hardest and [most] challenging work in the hospital (i.e., telemetry, iCU, rehab),” nurse Ellen M., 41, said. Menchu de Luna Sanchez, a nurse who has been working at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York for 20 years, said that Filipino nurses remain to be “an integral part of the health care system in the U.S.” “Health care professionals still look for the Filipino nurses to be in their department. Filipino nurses are hardworking, patient, and always tendering the trademark of Filipinos: ‘tender, loving and caring,’” she shared. Sanchez, especially, displayed those traits during Hurricane Sandy in the fall of 2012. The Filipina nurse was part of the transport unit of the hospital that

Fil-Am nurse Menchu de Luna Samchez was recognized by then President Barack Obama in 2013 during his State of the Union address in Washington D.C., and sat alongside First Lady Michelle Obama.

helped intensive care nurses carry critically ill premature babies down nine flights of stairs to safety after a water surge knocked out the hospital’s electrical supply and backup generators. For her heroic efforts, she was honored by former President Barack Obama in his 2013 State of the Union address, in which we said “we should follow the example” of Sanchez. Given the long hours and stressful conditions that nurses endure, the ANA has several ideas to mark National Nurses Week so that they may be rightfully recognized, including encouraging nurses to wear an “RN pin” or holding special celebrations to honor nurses in the community for their heroic acts, years of service, and commitment to the profession.

However, for many nurses, a simple ‘thank you’ goes a long way. “Helping a nurse get some rest and relaxation would be a thoughtful gesture. We are on our feet, we are pulled in every direction during our shifts so some time to relax would be appreciated. But really, a meaningful greeting card or a sweet and simple ‘thank you’ when you see us is enough,” Reyes said. Tess Dela Cruz, an RN for over three decades and a current nurse care manager in New York, further added, however, that commemorating nurses shouldn’t just stop on May 12. “People and communities should honor [and] pay tribute to nurses [all] year long. Not only on Nurses Week, but every day,” she said.

Interesting facts about nursing: • THE word “nurse” means many things to many different people. However, AllNurses.com traces the origins of the word back to the 13th century from the Latin “nurtrire,” referring to one who nourishes, and the French “nourrice,” which refers to a wet nurse (or a breast-feeding woman). During the 16th Century the word “nurse” evolved to describe “a woman who waited upon or tended to the sick”. Today, Webster Dictionary defines nurses as “a person who is trained to care for sick or injured people and who usually works in a hospital or doctor’s office,” although we know nurses can work in many different health care environments (i.e., nursing homes, health clinics, schools, hospitals, etc.). • Linda Richards (July 27, 1841 - April 16, 1930) of West Potsdam, New York became the first nurse to earn a nursing

diploma in the United States in 1873. The first professionally trained American nurse, she established nursing training programs in the U.S. and Japan, and created the first system for keeping individual medical records for hospitalized patients. • in October of 1902, Lina Rogers Struthers became the first school nurse in the United States. • Florence Nightingale, the most famous nurse in modern history, was only a nurse for three years of her life. Florence is considered a pioneer in nursing for her work during the Crimean War, which ranged from 1853 to 1856. According to the Registered Nursing Association of Ontario, in Canada, Florence was called the “Lady with the Lamp”, tirelessly tending to wounded soldiers in various hospitals during the night. Florence’s compassion, commitment, and

patient care is considered a model for the modern nursing profession. • in the U.S. military, approximately one-third of all nurses are male. • Only three out of five nurses work in hospitals. Nurses also work in schools, correctional facilities, private companies, home health, nursing homes, government agencies, social assistance agencies, and research labs. • Researchers at the University of Maryland’s School of Nursing found that 55 percent of 2,103 nurses surveyed were obese. Job stress and the effect of irregular work hours was cited as the cause. irregular breaks to eat (if any at all) also has to be some sort of contributing factor. • Nurses may be called the “backbone of health care” in Canada and the U.S., but surprisingly it’s at the risk of their own back health. Data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that nurses report roughly 35,000 back injuries annually. Nursing back strain stems from diligent, hands on patient care—including pushing and pulling patient beds and wheelchairs, as well as lifting, rolling, bending over, and moving patients frequently. • The largest demand for licensed practical nurses through 2110 will be in nursing homes. (AJPress)

Happy Nurses Week from Dignity Health – Glendale Memorial Hospital WORkiNG as a nurse is much more than a job. it’s a lifelong calling. Like other professions, it requires intensive training and skill. it also requires countless acts of kindness, compassion, and profound heroism on a daily basis. At Glendale Memorial Hospital, we take great pride in the talent of our nurses who put our healing ministry into practice. That’s why we always look forward to National Nurses Week (May 6-12). Communication, comfort, and humankindness are

infused in our daily routines with patients. Our nurses don’t see our patients as numbers on a chart, but as human beings worthy of the utmost compassion and respect. To us, excellent care doesn’t just depend on the correct diagnosis or treatment, but on our ability to listen, communicate, and make our patients feel like welcome guests. Vice President Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Executive Officer, Liza Abcede, MBA, BSN, CCRN, shares a note

of gratitude, “i salute all nurses for their continued dedication to provide the best care for patients and their families. One needs only to imagine for a moment a world without nurses to realize how vital their services truly are. You make a difference in so many ways to so many people.” To all nurses – please accept our sincere and heartfelt appreciation for rising to your calling to care for our community. Thanks for doing us proud. Happy Nurses Week. Advertising Supplement

may 5-11, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

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Grand re-opening of 99 Ranch Market in San Gabriel San Gabriel – The leading asian american Supermarket, 99 ranch Market, is proud to announce the re-opening of its San Gabriel location. The 99 ranch Market San Gabriel family will re-open its doors on May 6, 2017 at 8am to its community. This location was renovated to capture freshness, modern style, and clean design. 99 ranch Market is successfully attempting to redesign all older Actors Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo and Ryan Agoncillo celebrating their eighth wedding anniversary in Italy. locations to adapt with the current design incorporated by all new 99 ranch Market locations. but for her family. Judy ann took residence under the bridge and by MaRiDol Ranoa-BisMaRk Since its original opening a low-carb, high-protein diet moved in to a home of their own Philstar.com in 1991, the San Gabriel store designed around her workout after winning in the show. maintains the same drive alMOST every big star fears program. She takes lots of fruits, Seeing them on stage at the to provide the community losing his or her luster to younger, recent press con for the show vegetables, water, and honey. talented actors. Judy ann Santos She works out thrice or four times with high quality products brought tears to Judy ann’s eyes. at competitive prices and is one of them. a week. She takes the family’s windfall as Way back six years ago, when but in her book, she said that providing customers with a sign that hope springs eternal. superior shopping experiences. she got pregnant with lucho, nothing beats running after her “i want to tell everyone that The store is conveniently hers and husband ryan agoncilo’s they shouldn’t lose hope of frisky one-year-old daughter, located in San Gabriel Square son, the “drama queen” admits luna in losing five pounds. The enjoying the good life,” she said. at the intersection of Valley she feared for her career as a actress-host says luna does not Judy ann’s other reason blvd. and Del Mar ave. being in Kapamilya. walk. She runs. While lucho is for choosing a game show as “Stars come and go. and relaxed and calm, luna is all over such a popular plaza, 99 ranch comeback project after more Market San Gabriel thrived and today’s young stars are so good! the place. than a year of absence from the continues to be the one-stop i told my management team “With luna, it’s a test of scene, is motherhood. about my struggle. it’s normal. it’s everything. She’s a ball of energy!” shop for all of our customers “bet on Your baby” requires by providing a selection of a healthy feeling,” she said at the Juday laughed. her to report on the set for taping

Judy Ann Santos conquers fear about her career

press con of “bet On Your baby,” the abS-Cbn show she is hosting again for its third season. Judy ann feared millennials will not recognize her anymore because she is not a social media person. Her online presence is limited. “i post (messages) once, twice. My next post will come three days after. not that i don’t want to post anything. i just forget to do so.” by now, showbiz insiders know Judy ann’s fears are baseless. abS-Cbn asked her back, and was even gracious enough to give her a choice about what project to take. Judy ann wanted to return to hosting the game show “bet On Your baby” for a couple of reasons. The grand prize—a whopping P1 million and house and lot—can save a family from poverty. One family left their unofficial

only once a week. Work packs up early, so sleepless nights is no longer part of her lifestyle the way it was when she was still into films and teleseryes. This means more time for her husband, ryan agoncillo, and their children, Yohan, lucho, and luna. all she needs do is see ryan and their kids welcoming her home at the end of a long day, and feel the fatigue slowly melt away. She admitted she used to find moms who say they get their energy from their children cheesy. now that she is in their shoes, Judy ann is taking back her words. “My goal is simple: to join my children in their journey until they get married, which is a long time from now.” She also wants to become fitter and healthier, not for herself,

Judy ann may find the test a struggle. but she does not mind going through it many times over. neither does she mind having a fourth child—not in the near future, but years from now. “if God blessed us with one more child, it’s okay. but not this soon, lord. Huwag sana digital. Okay lang mahina ang internet natin sa Piipinas. We have to save for the fourth baby.” if not, Judy ann is happy with three kids. This way, she and ryan can give each child the attention he or she needs. She shared that the five-year gap between lucho and luna allows the former to live up to his role as big brother to the hilt. lucho helps in changing luna’s diapers and in preparing milk for his kid sister. There is no sibling rivalry at all. life is good. and Judy ann—rightly—feels blessed. Ruffa Gutierrez

over 20,000 products from local and international vendors as well as tasty pastries from bF bakery and various asian cuisines from the in-store asian Gourmet Kitchen. For the grand re-opening weekend, our asian Gourmet Kitchen offers delicious promotions of run bing, also known as steamed spring roll, Marinated Combo, and Steamed bun full of pork and vegetables. alongside these deals, bF bakery offers a sweet discount on Walnut raisin Toast, Taro Cake roll, and Portuguese egg Tart, which can be accompanied with a $0.99 drink of your choice. in addition to these promotions, we have plentiful activities planned for our customers such as a DJ, Cooking Show, Tuna Show, and a balloon artist. More information regarding these activities can be found on our social media pages and website. On top of that, we have store promotions such as: • every $10 on Meat, Produce, and Seafood, get a $1 off coupon for your next $10 purchase of Meat, Produce, and Seafood.

• Visit us at our booth with a same day receipt over $30 or more, receive a Free Gift. • Spend $100 or more, get a roast Duck for $9.99. restrictions apply. • “like” us on WeChat, Facebook and/or instagram, Get a Free Gift. The address of this store is 140 W Valley blvd, San Gabriel, Ca 91776. it is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m to 10 p.m. For more information, please contact 99 ranch Market’s Customer Service Hotline at 1800-600-TaWa (8292) or visit our website at www.99ranch.com . 99 Ranch Market 99 ranch Market was established in 1984, with its first store in Westminster (little Saigon), California. With the support of our loyal customers and hardworking employees, we have grown to become the largest asian supermarket chain in the United States, with 40 plus store locations in California, nevada, Texas, Washington State, and soon to come new Jersey and Oregon. (Advertising Supplement)

Ruffa Gutierrez empowers single moms

Infrographics by AJPress

by Deni Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com

nOT all single parents are what as Sen. Tito Sotto described as “na-ano lang,” and a case in point is actress and beauty queen ruffa Gutierrez. ruffa married Turkish businessman Yilmaz bektas in 2003. Their marriage produced two children, lorin and Venice, before the couple called it quits in 2011 due to Yilmaz’s alleged abuses. ruffa, then, vowed to work hard for her children and not depend on Yilmaz for financial backing. at last night’s Tresemme runway ready event, ruffa lent support for his brother, raymond

Gutierrez, and sister-in-law Sarah lahbati, who modeled in the fashion show. in an interview with Philstar. com, ruffa directed her preMother’s Day message to single moms like her. “For single moms like me who are working, never forget your dreams,” she advised. “i know it’s difficult, but just leave the past behind and always remember that every single day is a new beginning and look forward to the future.” Judging by the grin in her face, ruffa is proof that though single, she is never alone and unloved, as long as her family and friends are by her side.

may 5-11, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

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DUE TO CLAMOR FROM PATRONS

Martin Nievera & Lani Misalucha team-up in a scintillating concert anew - ‘Masquerade’ On May 13 live at Pechanga Casino

Due to prodding of the majority of patrons, a new round of live concert, expected to tickle the fancy of guests, will be graced by primed singing talents Martin Nievera and Lani Misalucha— in yet another big night at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California on May 13 at 8 p.m. This after a successful concert first-ever held in September 2016. As “King of Ballad”, Martin Nievera bagged ‘The Box Office entertainment Awards’ for Best Male Concert Performer of the Year on April 17, 2016, by GMMSF, Inc. For 33 years now, Nievera has been delighting his audience with not only Original Pinoy Music (OPM) but has interpreted numerous songs made famous by international ly-renowned singers. In late August, Nievera launched a new album-- “ The Best of Martin Nievera---- Kahapon.... Ngayon “ by Polyeast recording. A Filipino singer, songwriter and actor, Nievera garnered 18 platinum, five double platinum, three triple platinum and 1 quadruple platinum albums in his entire career. Back-to-back, Nievera teams-up with ‘Asia’s Nightingale’ herself, Lani Misalucha, the first Asian to headline a main showroom of the Las Vegas strip performing with Hawaii’s Society of Seven at the Jubilee Theater of Bally’s. Misalucha is a multifaceted artist, whose rendition of songs varies from pop, rock, jazz, soul rhythm and blues and operatic areas. In a more renewed and enhanced concert, Nievera and Misalucha will provide a blockbuster performance that is expected to delight patrons and guests at the famed Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California. The special live concert coincides with the duos uS, Canada Concert Tour 2017. Tickets are now on sale Wednesday-Sunday from

EMPLOYMENT

Kylie Verzosa believes in new Binibining Pilipinas winners by Deni Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com

DeSPITe rumors of disqualification or resignation of at least one Binibining Pilipinas 2017 queen crowned last Monday, May 1, Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa firmly believes that this new batch of Binibini beauties can continue the Philippines’ winning streak in international pageants. In a recent interview with Philstar.com during the launch of Samsung S8, Kylie said the new Binibinis are “a new batch of incredible girls” and she is positive that the girls will perform well in competitions abroad. These bets, according to Kylie, make her proud, adding that she is sure they will make the country proud as well.

Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa takes her last walk at the Binibining Pilipinas coronation night last Monday, May 1. Philstar.com photo by Efigenio Christopher Toledo IV

Last Monday, Rachel Peters of Camarines Sur was hailed to represent the country in Miss universe, followed by Mariel De Leon for Miss International, Chanel Olive Thomas for Miss Supranational, elizabeth Clenci for Miss Grand International, Katarina Rodriguez for Intercontinental, and Nelda Ibe for Miss Globe. Rodriguez reportedly resigned from her post, which the “Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 2” finalist denied. Kylie expressed gratitude for Filipino fashion designers that have been instrumental in their journey as beauty queens. “It’s good that we have a lot of creative designers,” she noted. Beauty pageants, she said, are a good avenue for both queens and designers to show the uniqueness of the Filipino.

Pia Wurtzbach’s dream to become AIDS advocate comes true by C. MenDez Legaspi Philstar.com

moon to 8p.m. from $125, $100, $78 and $58, and may also be purchased at the Pechanga Box Office, 877-711-2WIN (2946) or online at www.Pechanga.com or Starmediaentertainment.com. Shows in the Pechanga Theater offer a comfortable and intimate concert experience. With 1,200 seats in its theater, each show features state-of-theart and acoustically perfected sound. enjoying favorite artists at Pechanga versus other venues proves effortless with free valet and self-parking for guests, complimentary casino/resort shuttles, gourmet and casual dining options on site, plus comfortable chairs and an upclose view from every theater seat. Pechanga Resort & Casino Pechanga Resort & Casino offers one of the largest and

IN one of the most awesome answers in Miss universe history, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach emphasized her AIDS advocacy when she was asked why she deserves to win the 2015 title: “To be a Miss universe is both an honor and responsibility. If I most expansive resort/casino were to be Miss universe, I will use experiences anywhere in my voice to influence the youth the united States. Voted the and I would raise awareness to Number One Casino in America certain causes like HIV awareness by readers of uSA TODAY and that is timely and relevant to my rated a Four Diamond property country which is the Philippines. by AAA since 2002, Pechanga I want to show the world, Resort & Casino provides an the universe rather, that I am unparalleled getaway. Offering confidently beautiful with a heart. more than 3,400 of the hottest Thank you.” slots, table games, world-class Just recently at the Ateneo entertainment, 517 hotel rooms, De Manila university, Pia was dining, spa and championship launched as a uNAIDS Goodwill golf at Journey at Pechanga, Ambassador for Asia and the Pechanga Resort & Casino Pacific. Her mentor, champion and features a destination that manager, Jonas Antonio Gaffud meets and exceeds the needs of posted the amazing news on his its guests and the community. Facebook: Pechanga Resort & Casino is “Finally it’s official. Miss owned and operated by the universe Pia Wurtzbach is now the Pechanga Band of Luiseño uNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador Indians. For more information, for Asia and the Pacific. Signing call toll free 1-888-PeCHANGA or the offical letter with Steve Kraus, visit www.Pechanga.com. Director of uNAIDS Regional (Advertising Supplement) Support Team, Asia & The Pacific.

EMPLOYMENT

This afternoon at the Ateneo De Manila University, Pia was launched as a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific.

Other international ambassadors are Victoria Beckham, Aishawarya Rai, Aung Sun Su Kyi, Naomi Watts, Norway’s Crown Princess Mette Marit, Princess Stephanie of Monaco and other international celebrities. #alwaysmissuniverse #unaids #piawurtzbach” According to unaids.org, “The Joint united Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (uNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. uNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 uN organizations—uNHCR,

SERVICES

uNICeF, WFP, uNDP, uNFPA, uNODC, uN Women, ILO, uNeSCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.” Pia’s new mandate as AIDS (auto immune deficiency syndrome) advocate is a prelude to the commemoration of AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day on May 17.

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA OKAY Jim Croce, that is really sweet. I guarantee most women and some men would swoon over this sentiment. Here’s the downer. On a more mundane, prosaic and utterly unromantic note, have you had the experience of setting confirmed appointments with people only to find yourself waiting in vain for the person to show up? I am sure most people have been in this situation. All kinds of dire scenarios come to mind when a simple phone call or text message could have saved time and tamped down feelings of angst or concern about the other person’s silence and absence. During this era of cellphones and instant communication, there seems to be no excuse for such disrespect. The least you expect is to receive a call or text message just to let you know the person you are waiting for is running late or unable to show up for any reason. It’s common courtesy, something that is sadly not so common these days in this multi-culti hodge-podge society that has too many opposing and resistant elements to allow for integration and assimilation. BIG SIGH … The worse part is getting the same kind of treatment from the

Health@Heart

Time “ If I could save time in a bottle, the first thing that I’d like to do is to save every day ‘til eternity passes away just to spend them with you.” - Jim Croce, Time in a bottle same person repeatedly. If so, ditch that contact, delete details from your phone and vow to never again let that person waste your time. A true friend will not do this to you. Perhaps, a casual acquaintance will. But a person who does this repeatedly with no apology is someone who is disrespectful of your time or at the very least, an airhead that constantly misplaces his phone. More than likely, this is someone you should not allow to waste any more of your precious time. You can’t bottle time. Once time is lost, it is lost forever. It is like trying to put back toothpaste in its tube. You can try making up for lost time by increasing your speed, multitasking and having too much to juggle in so little time. But right there is your formula for an accident. Too much stress could lead to a stroke or cardiac arrest. No wonder so many just drop down dead due to the breakneck pace of life in the cities, places where time seems to be in short supply. It has often been said that time is more than money for time is actually the measure of life. All of us have a finite number of minutes allotted to our individual

life spans. If you’re lucky, you get a new lease on life after a near-death experience. But like all leases, it expires as well. Money lost can still be recovered in some way but once time is wasted, it is gone for good. So chuck off your dealings or associations from time wasters. These people are up to no good. Choose the people you want in your immediate orbit wisely and well. Life is just too short. Oftentimes though, the worst time wasters are not other people but ourselves. How we use our time, and therefore our lives, depends on our value systems, priorities or what we think and feel are important to us or give us joy or pleasure. The tech gadgets we have were meant to be tools to enhance living but like most timesaving tools, these are doubleedged swords. Information is at our fingertips at light speed helping us navigate our way through the day. The downside —we can be so tethered, even obsessed with our tech toys for hours at a time that we become unaware of the huge blocks of time we have frittered away just by browsing the fake news of the day. Mea culpa! I am

Is CPAP for you?

What are the dangers of OSa? Besides the arrhythmias and PhiliP S. ChuA, possible heart attack, OSA also Md, FACS, FPCS deprives the person of a restful, satisfying sleep. As alluded to What is CPaP? above, OSA has been linked to CPAP stands for Continuous increased risk for metabolic and Positive Airway Pressure, the best treatment, the accepted evidence- cardiovascular diseases and to based standard of care, for persons elevated risk for cancer. Lack of sleep also decreases the sense with confirmed Obstructive Sleep of well-being, mental acuity, Apnea (OSA). concentration, work performance, What is OSa? and all these expose other people, OSA is a condition where society in general, to the danger the individual takes very shallow of driving accidents. Those with (ineffective breaths during sleep, untreated OSA are also less or even holds his/her breaths for efficient, more forgetful, and cranky an abnormally prolonged period of time (apnea) for dozens of times members of the work force. They are always tired, have excessive during the night, depriving the person of oxygen, which could lead daytime sleepiness (EDS), and doze off frequently. They lack stamina to arrhythmias (heart irregularity) and their sex life is also affected. and in some cases, heart attack Almost all of these individuals do and even death. Unfortunately, not realize OSA is the cause of their not every healthcare provider, problem. Actually, even among even today in the United States, physicians, OSA, while common, is recognizes OSA as a significant still an under-recognized and under factor in the causation of diagnosed medical entity. metabolic (diabetes-T2 and other how common is OSa? endocrine) illnesses, cardiovascular One in five Americans, or and respiratory diseases, and alarmingly, even of various cancers. about 60 million, have obstructive sleep apnea, 4 percent among What causes OSa? males and 2 percent among There are some individuals whose anatomy of the throat allows females. Extrapolated figure for the Philippines would place the the soft palate (roof of mouth at the back) to fall back and block the incidence at about 4-5 million upper airway passage while asleep. Filipinos suffering from OSA. In Hong Kong, the prevalence is about This obstruction is commonly 7 percent, in India, 13.7 percent. seen among those who snore, but Its only in the past 2 decades or so not all who snore has OSA. This that physicians have been more obstruction makes the diaphragm aware of OSA and CPAP therapy and the chest muscles work a lot and have been referring more and harder to bring air into the lungs, momentarily waking up the person, more patients to Pulmonologists for Sleep Studies. The “epidemic” on and off, jerking, choking, and of OSA is more common than we gasping for breath several times think. during sleep.

What are the associated predictors? The typical associated predictors for those who are prone to develop OSA are: male more than female, older age group, usually above 40, greater BMI (Body Mass Index, obesity), larger neck circumference and waist to hip ration, smoking, snoring, high blood pressure, longer time to fall asleep, and higher Epworth Sleepiness Scale score. To some extent, family history of OSA. how is the diagnosis confirmed? When the physician suspects a person to have OSA, the diagnosis is confirmed by a Sleep Study (Polysomnography). This study, which requires sleeping overnight in a sleep clinic or hospital, where the person is connected to various devices to monitor, among others, the brain activity, oxygen level, EKG, heart rate and breathing rate, while a video records movements and snoring, etc., while asleep. When positive for OSA, the diagnosis is confirmed, and a second night needs to be spent in the sleep clinic to titrate the CPAP parameters needed for actual CPAP therapy, like how much pressure is needed to keep the airway open (which differs per person), etc. These parameters are used when prescribing the CPAP therapy. The machine will be calibrated and set according to the person’s needs for an effective use every sleeping hour each day. how comfortable is CPaP use? Contrary to what might think as “obvious,” the use of CPAP mask or nasal pillows (depending on the user’s preference after trying Continued on Page 6

Arts Commission announces $500,000 in grants to LA County organization providing services outside the arts Grantees include organizations working with youth and programs addressing mental health, homelessness and immigrant rights THE Los Angeles County Arts Commission announced $500,000 in arts grants to 37 nonprofit organizations as part of the Community Impact Arts Grant (CIAG) program. The program provides funding for nonprofit organizations, offering arts services or activities to residents of LA County in a wide variety of situations and settings often outside a traditional arts environment. CIAG program recognizes the value of the arts as a vital tool for civic problem solving across a range of issue areas and supports arts programming taking place at nonprofit social service and health organizations, municipal departments and institutions of higher education as part of larger missions to provide services to individuals and communities. Examples of the projects supported by CIAG include the Urban Possibilities Writing

Empowerment Program at Chrysalis Center; an afterschool expressive arts therapy project for youth at Special Services for Groups; Day Laborer Fandango Project, gathering stories of the day laborer community through verse writing workshops and fandango; and Community Coalition for Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment’s annual arts festival Power Fest in South Los Angeles. Grant amounts range from $7,400 to $15,200 and support one year arts projects for organizations looking to build upon existing arts programming. There will be one additional year of available funding. Applications were reviewed and scored by 20 knowledgeable panelists with experience in the arts and social services, including artists, arts administrators, and those with experience working with the diverse communities

being served by applicants. Detailed program information is available at www.lacountyarts. org/ciag. The Los Angeles County Arts Commission fosters excellence, diversity, vitality, understanding and accessibility of the arts in Los Angeles County, encompassing 88 municipalities and nearly 140 unincorporated areas, and provides leadership in cultural services. In addition to its role as an arts funder, the Arts Commission implements the regional initiative dedicated to restoring arts education to 81 school districts, funds the largest arts internship program in the county and manages the County’s civic art policy. The Arts Commission also produces free community programs, including the Emmy Award-winning LA County Holiday Celebration for public television. lacountyarts. org.

may 5-11, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

guilty of this myself. It is just so easy to let the comfort and ease of our tech toys to seduce us into wasting time and thereby do damage to our eyesight and our relationships. Do a self –check. Find out how much time we allot per day connecting with friends and the world via social media. Are you facebooking, linking, twittering, instagraming, gabbing and living in a virtual world long into the night while the real world takes a back seat? Does your garden need tending? Does your child need guidance? Does your marriage need work? Are you overwhelmed by the amount of junk you have to clear away to clear some space at home? Have you let yourself go that you look like the Unabomber? Have you neglected some important part of your life because of all this time wasting activities that hog and fritter away the productive hours of your day? Go cold turkey and cut the cord, if you must. It is a major cause for concern when people think they are on camera 24/7. People

are collecting on their “fifteen minutes of fame or shame” posting vignettes of their life on social media hoping to go viral and be famous, at least for 15 minutes. We seem to live in glass houses these days. In this extremely intrusive world we have today, PRIVACY AND ANONYMITY ARE AS PRECIOUS AS GOLD. You can’t take these to the bank but more than likely, if you are a normal, average person that has no use for being constantly in the public eye, you will find the PEACE that surpasses all understanding. A great majority of the technologically wired world today is preoccupied with the SELF and how they project THE IMAGE of themselves to the world. Even the deranged and unhinged among us depict murder, suicides, rapes and crimes against humanity loading horrifying scenes on the internet with neither shame nor apology. I mention this only because our use of time these days have changed dramatically because of technology. Those who are trumpeting the rise and

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preponderance of robotics in the very near future may very well be predicting a future that bode eerily of machines taking over much of human activities. Frankly, I am not sure I am all in for this type of progress in robot technology. This could mean a drastic and negative change on the way humans live and how they use their time and spend their lives in the future. There has to be parameters. With a big sigh of relief, the baby boomer generations, perhaps, be gone by then. The millennials and the generations yet to come will have to deal with the inevitable battle between man and the machines they make. All that can be said for today or in the future is that IF we as human beings value our life on earth, we must take full charge of how we spend that one Godgiven, precious and easily wasted resource all humans still living have in various amounts. And that is TIME. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

America

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FilAm ARTS and Philippine Expressions Bookshop to host art exhibit in San Pedro, CA The Association for the Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) and Philippine Expressions Bookshop in partnership with the Croatian Cultural Center of Greater Los Angeles proudly present BUKLOD: A Gathering of Filipino and Filipino-American Art and Artists from May 4 to 11. Over 50 works of art by Filipino and Filipino-American artists are featured in this exhibition, which aims to reassert the presence of Filipino-Americans in the Western canon. Although many Filipino-American artists have been recognized in the art world, their cultural heritage is rarely highlighted nor has there been a body of work categorized as Filipino-American masterpieces in the 600 years of the history of painting. The artists of BUKLOD strive to fill that void with works that instill culture, dignity, and imagination to a cultural landscape that seldom acknowledges and habitually denies them their shared humanity. This exhibition gathers contemporary LA-based artists who anchor their work with their heritage and have an active community involvement to further their respective passion projects as artists. The BUKLOD exhibit will be open to the public beginning on May 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., coinciding with the San Pedro’s First Thursdays Artwalk. The exhibit will run until Thursday, May 11 at the Croatian Cultural Center (510 W 7th St, San Pedro, CA 90731). The opening Reception will be held on Saturday, May 6 from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. and will include live performances as well as food and artisan booths.

M AY 5

AMBOY presents Filipino Street Food night in LA AMBOY presents one night of local Filipino chefs on Friday, May 5 who will each showcase their favorite Filipino street food dish. Guests will get to sit through this outdoor dinner and experience a fun representation of Filipino street food. Featured chefs include: Park’s Finest by Chef Johneric Concordia; Chef Sally Camacho, Top Chef Just Desserts Season 2; Unit 120 by Chef Isa Fabro; Annette by Chef Royce Burke; Kalan Kitchen by Chef Kyle Barretto; and AMBOY by Chef Alvin Cailan. It will be held at the second floor of Far East Plaza (727 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012) at 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m., and 10 p.m. It is $48 per guest. To book online, please visit www.universe.com/amboystreetfoodnight or email eatatamboy@gmail.com for any inquiries.

M AY 6

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

IDENTITY LA music festival celebrating Asian Pacific Heritage Month in Los Angeles IDENTITY LA, the second annual free outdoor to celebrate Los Angeles’ Asian Pacific Heritage Month and the city’s vibrant Asian Pacific American community, will take place on Saturday, May 6 at Grand Park. Presented by Councilmember David Ryu (CD 4) and International Secret Agents (ISA), IDENTITY LA music festival is a free and open-to-the-public concert featuring live performances by internationally renowned APA artists and entertainers, food trucks and more. Folk Pop group, Us the Duo, and special guest, producer/electronic music artist Giraffage will fill out the closing part of the concert. The rest of the evening will consist of a mix of hiphop, R&B, and pop artists of Korean, Filipino, Taiwanese, Japanese, South Asian, and Pacific Islander heritage. These performances from fan-favorites, Starro (soulection), Year of the Ox, Kronika (soulection), Doctors&Engineers, Tenelle, SAAY, and Dj Zo will celebrate APA’s dynamic culture in the heart of Los Angeles. Festival goers will have the exclusive opportunity to listen to these live, back-to-back performances at Grand Park. The festival will run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. To RSVP and get more information, fans can visit http://isatv.com.

25th Annual Filipino Fiesta in Waikiki, HI The Filipino Community Center, Inc. will be hosting its 25th Annual Filipino Fiesta on Saturday, May 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. This year’s theme marks the 25th year of the annual celebration with the theme, “And the Fun Continues...” The event is free and open to the public! Participation from the local Hawaii and Hawaii-Filipino community from the over 100 Filipino community organizations, U.S. and or Philippine based business owners and/or their representatives are expected. For more information about the Filipino Fiesta, please visit www.filcom.org or call (808) 680-0451.

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

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Ai Ai de las Alas pays homage to Nora Aunor, Jaclyn Jose to assume the ‘Mighty Yaya’ in new movie special roles at Asean Int’l Film Fest by Christina

alpad ManilaTimes.net

FRESH from her award-winning portrayal of an ageing prostitute in the Louie Ignacio movie “Area,” Ai Ai de las Alas is back on the big screen for her comedy film “our Mighty Yaya.” The 7th Queen world Film Festival Best Female Actor Narrative Feature says she is ready to make her audience roll in laughter anew in the movie that is very close to her heart. De las Alas plays Virgie, a mother who sets off as nanny to the big city to support her family. There, she is caught between warring family members as she works for business tycoon Antonio Sevilla (played by Zoren Legaspi); his new beauty queen wife, Monique (Megan Young); and his three disapproving brood, Maria (Sofia Andres), Kevin (Lucas Magallano), and Peachy (Alsyon McBride). In real life, the Comedy Queen, whose movie trilogy “Ang Tanging Ina” has made a household name, is thankful for having help in raising

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her children while she forged a career in show business. “This movie is close to my heart as it pays homage to the yayas that we are all thankful to have. My yaya Ners—we like to call each other friends—has watched over me since I was 15. And when I became a mother, she also took care of my children. Until now, she is with our family, taking care of my mother. I am thankful for her because she has never left us,” the actress shared at the movie’s grand press conference in Quezon City. Helmed by veteran director Joey Reyes, the Regal Entertainment movie is a tribute to the unsung heroes of the household. “when I was just conceptualizing this movie, I told Ai Ai that I wanted a project that pays tribute to these people who some think are just there because of the salary, when what we should recognize is the love they give to the people they live with and take care of. we do not give enough importance to them,” Reyes

Two of the country’s multiawarded actresses have been invited to grace this year’s Asean International Film Festival and Awards (Aiffa), which begins today in Kuching, Malaysia. In an email to The Manila Times, a regular Aiffa attendee said the Superstar and multiawarded actress Nora Aunor is flying out to the state capital to be the special presenter to this year’s recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The ceremony will be held at the festival’s conclusion and gala night on May 6. Ai Ai de las Alas is back on the big screen for Aunor comes full circle as her comedy film “Our Mighty Yaya.” presenter of the said award as revealed. she was bestowed the same A Mother’s Day offering, our highest form of honor given Mighty Yaya also gives sheds light by Aiffa in 2015, alongside on the plight of mothers who has international martial arts movie to leave their families to provide star Jackie Chan who received them a better life. the Asian Inspiration Award. “This movie is about any According to sources, Aunor woman who has sacrificed being said she cannot afford to miss away from her family by to loving the wonderful opportunity, another family’s children so especially since she considers she can sustain her own,” Reyes her Aiffa Lifetime Achievement rounded up. Award as one of her most important recognitions. It was given based on her numerous achievements in film and iconic More and more physicians, status in the Philippine movie other healthcare providers, and industry. the public are becoming aware Incidentally, the Superstar— and acutely conscious about oSA, who according to sources is still its diagnosis, and the wonderful deciding between two designer CPAP treatment. This trend is gowns for the gala night—is gratifying because the earlier the celebrating her 50th anniversary diagnosis is confirmed and the in show business this year. CPAP therapy is instituted, the sooner the incidence of all oSAlinked diseases listed above will be minimized through prevention around the world.

Is CPAP for you?

them) at bedtime is surprisingly comfortable. After getting used to it within a week or so, the user might even miss it or might not feel secure without it. The CPAP machine has a controlled water heater reservoir which provides warm humidified air. Using it religiously provides a sense of safety from lack of oxygen and from developing a heart attack. CPAP use among those with oSA assures them a more restful and satisfying sleep every day. Many prefer the nasal pillow, but if one is a mouth-breather, the mask is recommended. Is CPAP use for life? Yes, since oSA is only treatable but not curable, one has to use CPAP for life. But as I have alluded to, once one is used to it, CPAP use could be “addicting” (reassuring is the more appropriate term) because of its life-saver reputation and all the benefits CPAP provides,

including a satisfying restful sleep. Are other gadgets any good? Countless “non-CPAP” gadgets advertised on various media are useless and not scientifically based. They market the items to stop snoring, but snoring is not the cause of oSA. The CPAP stops snoring also. Snoring is only a symptom. Even if you stop snoring, the blocked airway is still there. The treatment should be directed to the collapsing airway passage, by “filling it up” with continuous high pressure (enough to keep the airway open for effective respiration) so oxygen can get into the lungs. without exception, all those “non-CPAP” marketed items are useless and a waste of money. They are also dangerous because they provide a false sense of security, which could delay or preclude proper and prompt medical consultation and avoid a medical disaster.

*** 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

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.

Nora Aunor with Jackie Chan

Jaclyn Jose

Likewise, celebrated actress Jaclyn Jose was also invited to the film event as one of the special speakers in a separate activity on May 5 before industry players in the region. Jose is said to be looking forward to this speaking engagement to inspire her fellow Asean actors, what with her reputation as the first Southeast Asian actress to bag the coveted the elite Best Actress award at the 2016 Cannes International Film Festival for her performance in Brillante Mendoza’s “Ma’Rosa.” PH entries Nine Filipino independent films have been short listed to this third edition of Aiffa. official nominees from all participating Asean countries for the various categories in the festival will only be declared on the gala night itself. As such, the nine films participating in the 2017 Aiffa [all produced in 2015 and 2016] are: “Imbisibol” (Sinag Maynila 2015) by Lawrence Fajardo;

“Purgatoryo” (QCinema 2016) by Derick Cabrido; “Dagsin” (Cinemalaya 2016) by Atom Magadia; “Paglipay” by Zig Dulay and “Pauwi Na” by Paolo Villaluna (both from Tofarm Film Festival 2016); “Laut” and “Area,” both directed by Louie Ignacio; “Dayang Asu” (Cinema one originals 2015) by Bor ocampo; and “Ned’s Project” (Cine Filipino 2016) by Lem Lorca. Each production will have representatives flying to Malaysia for the awards night. Lav Diaz’ “Ang Babaeng Humayo” (The woman who Left) will be serve as the festival opener, and will be represented Cinema one originals executive producer Ronald Arguelles and cast member Mercedes Cabral. This regional film event is held in Malaysia every other year. It began in 2013 and quickly earned positive response from participating countries, among them Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and the Philippines among others.

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davita fpfc