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Volume 23 - No. 46 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages
N o V e mbe r 2 5 - de c e mbe r 1 , 2 0 1 6 Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEw YORk/NEw JERSEY
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Kerwin Espinosa names Sen. De Lima, officials in cohorts with his drug trade by Dana
SioSon AJPress
During the senate hearing on Wednesday, november 23, confessed drug lord Kerwin espinosa disclosed the name of government and police officials who served as his “protectors” and how they helped him in his illegal drug business. According to Kerwin, he started as a drug pusher in 2004 and was arrested in 2005. ironically, his business grew after meeting suspected drug lord Jeffrey Diaz, who purportedly sells drugs in jails ABSOLUTE DENIAL. Sen. Leila de Lima denies knowing Kerwin Espinosa and through mobile phones. Diaz was killed last June in an arrest operation conducted forgives him for saying she received drug money from him. Inquirer.net photo by Richard Reyes
Ramos on ‘sneaky’ Marcos burial: An ‘insult’ to veterans
USA
by Dana
SioSon AJPress
DATELINE The future of DACA under the Trump administration from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
one of President-elect Donald trump’s campaign promises was a strict crackdown on immigration to the united states. in that promise, he expressed commitment to ending many of President Barack obama’s immigration policies, including the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which was introduced in 2012. holding his first press conference since the election, obama urged the new president-elect to think twice before getting rid of DACA because of the benefits it’s delivered to its recipients, who “for all practical purposes are American kids.” “these are kids who were brought here PAGE A3
Cal State University system to protect undocumented immigrants
BAGUIO MEETING? Confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa shows to senators on Wednesday, Nov. 23 a photo of his supposed meeting with Sen. Leila de Lima Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande
PAGE A2 in Baguio to inform her that Ronnie Dayan would deliver P2.3 million to her in Manila.
Former President Fidel Ramos
former President fidel ramos on monday, november 21, expressed his dismay over late President ferdinand marcos’s unannounced funeral last week. Despite the public outcry of martial law victims and their families, marcos was buried “in secrecy” and with military honors at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ cemetery) on friday, november 18, in taguig City. “i felt very bad especially for the veterans as well as the members of the AfP, retirees and other active members of PnP which i commanded sometime ago as well as the Philippine Coast guard,” ra-
mos said. he also called the burial an act of “insult” to the “sacrifices of our Armed forces, PnP (Philippine national Police), Coast guard, veterans – retired and active.” marcos, who was ousted during the 1986 eDsA revolution, died of kidney, heart and lung ailments in 1989 while he was in exile in hawaii. ramos allowed the late strongman’s remains to return to the Philippines during his administration in 1992, along with the following conditions: first, marcos’s body would be brought directly to Laoag Airport in ilocos norte without passing through manila; second, marcos would be buried in his family mausoleum
in Batac upon arrival; and third, there would be no “pomp and protocol and extravaganzas” during the funeral. this agreement was signed former first Lady imelda marcos and former interior secretary rafael Alunan on August 20, 1992. since then, the late dictator’s remains have been frozen in a glass coffin in his hometown of Batac, ilocos norte. in August of this year, President rodrigo Duterte later gave the go-signal to bury the late dictator at the heroes’ Cemetery, living up to his campaign promise that he would let the event happen to “unite” and “heal” the nation. After two months of hearings, the suPAGE A2
PH, US chiefs assure military Covered California begins open enrollment relations remain robust by Dana
SioSon
AJPress
the chiefs of Philippine armed forces and of the united states Pacific Command assured the public that the military ties between the two countries remain robust amid Philippine President rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncements of scrapping joint drills with foreign troops. in a statement issued at the conclusion mutual Defense
Board and security engage- chaired by Philippine armed ment Board (mDB-seB) on forces chief gen. ricardo r. tuesday, november 22, both Visaya and head of the u.s. Pasides expressed their commit- cific Command Adm. harry B. ment to their alliance and co- harris Jr. “this highlights the enduring operation on maritime security, counterterrorism, and humani- commitment of both countries to the us-Philippine alliance,” tarian aid. “the successful comple- the statement added. Although the details of the tion of the mDB-seB ensures continued, robust relations be- meeting were not disclosed, tween the u.s. and Philippine Padilla said among the topmilitaries,” the statement said. ics discussed include the 2014 this year’s mDB-seB was PAGE A2
After the election of President-elect Donald trump last week, Americans across the nation were shocked and feared for the country’s future under his administration. trump’s immigration plans were one of the real estate mogul’s most controversial plans with his promise for the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants and removal of many of President Barack obama’s policies. California has the largest undocumented population in the country with more than 3 million as of 2013, according to migration Policy institute. “for the first time since coming here, i was frightened, like, truly frightened. it felt like the world turned upside down, and i think it will very soon,” gracie reyes, 21, told the Asian Journal. reyes is an undocumented student studying physics at Cal state Los Angeles. she immigrated to the u.s. from the Philippines when she was 2 years old. Like many Americans, MILITARY ALLIES. U.S. Admiral Harry Harris (right) U.S. Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, poses with Philippine Armed Forces the election results shocked her, saying that Chief Gen. Ricardo Visaya for a photo following their annual Mutual Defense Board meeting at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on
Tuesday, Nov. 22. The annual meeting came at a time when Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the scaling down joint Philstar.com photo
PAGE A2 military exercises and other activities between the two countries.
eLAine Young spent 20 years teaching students with special needs in Los Angeles before she learned an important lesson — that her retirement benefits did not include health insurance. “Because i worked six hours a day, my position was considered part time, and my 20 years was only equal to eight to 10 years full time,” Young, 62, recalled. While stunned by the revelation, Young was still determined to retire and put her health insurance issues “in god’s hands.” her prayers, she said, were answered last June when PAGE A2
2,400 Filipinos in Fukushima safe after earthquake by KriStian Javier Philstar.com
mAniLA — the 2,400 filipinos residing in fukushima are safe after an earthquake hit Japan according to the Department of foreign Affairs. “filipino residing in affected areas are safe, with some staying in evacuation areas,” the DfA said in a statement. no injuries or casualties have been reported as the Philippine embassy in tokyo continues to communicate with concerned local government agencies in Japan, the department also said. PAGE A2
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From the Front Page
Covered California begins open... PAGE A1 she enrolled in a health insurance plan through Covered California, the state agency that helps Californians get name-brand coverage through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act — commonly known as Obamacare. “I absolutely love it. And I would highly recommend it
to anyone who does not have health insurance,” Young said. The fourth open-enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act is underway and continues through Jan. 31, 2017. Californians like Young who need health insurance will find new ways to shop for coverage and new ways to save. Approximately 1.4 million
people, about 22.5 percent whom are Asian Americans, now have coverage through Covered California. Meanwhile, over 100,000 Asian Americans in California remain uninsured, yet most are eligible for thousands of dollars in federal subsidies to help them pay their monthly premiums. “California has built a robust marketplace where insurers are competing for consumers and where there is financial help to buy top-quality insurance,” said Peter V. Lee, Covered California’s executive director. More than 92 percent of consumers will have three or more health plans to choose from, and none will have fewer than two, Lee said. In Los Angeles and much of the Bay Area, there is robust competition with as many as eight plans competing for business. These are plans that are recognizable and trusted by consumers. Plans such as Kaiser, Anthem, Blue Shield, and some regional plans such as L.A. Care and Molina Healthcare in Southern California and the Chinese Community Health Plan in the Bay Area. For 2017, most consumers can save up to $55 per urgent care visit and their copays for seeing their primary care doctor will also be lower. And, for consumers selecting Silver, Gold or Platinum plans, most of their outpatient services like primary care and specialist visits, lab tests, X-rays and imaging are not subject to a deductible. Emergency room visits for these plans are now a flat fee. Even consumers in Covered California’s most affordable Bronze plans are able to see their doctor or a specialist three times without having to meet their deductible. These changes for 2017 can help consumers save thousands of dollars. “We know health care is expensive, so we took steps to make sure consumers who do buy coverage get the care they need without having to first meet their full deductible,” Lee said. Visit CoveredCA.com to find more locations.
Kerwin Espinosa names... PAGE A1 by the police. In 2008, Kerwin was sentenced to life imprisonment and was brought to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) where joined the group of Peter Co, and continued his drug business. The Court of Appeals withdraw his conviction he was later freed sometime in 2009 and 2010. By 2011, Kerwin said he began giving payola to officials in exchange of protection, which he defined as “SOP” or standard operating procedure. “These (payola) were for protection. My people won’t be killed or arrested. Whenever there will be raids, we’ll be tipped off, and it will be negative,” Kerwin said. Among the names Kerwin disclosed include former justice secretary and now Senator Leila De Lima; retired Chief Supt. and now now Daanbantayan, Cebu Mayor Vicente Loot; Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Chief Inspector Leo Laraga, who also previously admitted that he shot dead Kerwin’s father early this month; CIDG director in Eastern Visaya Supt. Marvin Marcos; and raiding team supervisor in the Leyte jail Supt. Santi Noel Matira. According to Kerwin, De Lima received a total of P8 million from him through her former driver and lover, Ronnie Dayan. Dayan, who was arrested on November 22, previously confessed that he collected drug money from Kerwin and delivered it to the De Lima when she was still the justice secretary. Kerwin also said that in November last year, he personally met De Lima in Baguio. “Ang sinabi lang nya (De Lima) sa akin thank you pag sabi ko sa kanya na Ma’am nandun na yung pera kay Ronnie Dayan (She said thank you after I told her the money was already with Ronnie Dayan),” Kerwin said. De Lima, on her part, denied all Kerwin’s accusations that she was involved in drugs, adding that she forgave Kerwin for his lies. “May God forgive you for all your sins and may God forgive you for all your lies about me and I forgive you,” De Lima said. “But let me say to my colleagues here and everyone in this hall and to everyone listen-
PNP chief Bato dela Rosa turns emotional when asked if the PNP has lost the public’s trust.
ing and watching this proceedings, I say this to you: I categorically firmly deny and absolutely deny having known Mr. Kerwin Espinosa,” she added. Kerwin also said Marcos received P3 million payola from him. Meanwhile Matira allegedly received P15,000 weekly, which later increased to P20,000 upon the expansion of Kerwin’s illegal business in Visayas. Loot, who was also among the supposed narcotics general earlier tagged by President Rodrigo Duterte in his shame campaign, allegedly received the highest payroll, amounting to P120,000 per month. “I gave General Loot money until his transfer to the Training Center in Camp Crame,” Espinosa said. Kerwin: elder Espinosa ‘innocent’ At the same time, Kerwin also insisted that his father, Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., could not testify in drug trades since he was not involved in the illegal operations in the first place. “First, ang aking ama ay wala sa posisyon para makapagsabi kung sino ang mga naging involved sa drug trade ko at sa mga transaksyon ko at (my father is in no position to say who were involved in the drug trade, my transactions and) any kind of illegal transactions,” Kerwin said. “Second, ang papa ko ay walang kinalaman, inosente siya. Ako ang may alam sa lahat dahil
dito sa sinalaysay ko (my father had nothing to do with this, he is innocent. I am the one who knows everything),” he added. Asked why his father was tagged in the drug issue if he doesn’t know anything, Kerwin said Albuera Police Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido held a political grudge against the elder Espinosa. “Hanggang ngayon nagtatanim siya ng galit sa akin at sa pamilya ko kaya ginagawa niya itong mga di niya dapat gawin dahil isa siyang pulis... inaapakan niya kami, konokontrol niya kami (Until now, he is still holding a grudge against me and my family that’s why he is doing these things that a policeman should not be doing. He is stepping on us, he is controlling us),” Kerwin said. According to the initial police report, Kerwin’s father was fatally shot inside his cell at the Leyte Sub-Provincial Jail in Baybay City after allegedly resisting arrest and exchanging shots with the CIDG on November 5. Another inmate, Raul Yap, was also killed during the supposed resistance while the CIDG was serving the warrant. Last August, the elder Espinosa, who was previously accused as a drug lord, surrendered himself to the PNP after the president issued a “shoot out” order if the former did not surrender. The mayor resumed his post and was later detained in Baybay afPAGE A3
Cal State University system to protect...
PAGE A1 she feels that attitudes toward undocumented immigrants will “worsen.” “I’m scared for what might happen to all the undocumented students, but I think that creating a community of support is the most important thing right now,” she added, expressing appreciation for “outpouring of support” she’s gotten from fellow students. On Thursday, November 17, CSU Chancellor Timothy White said that the 23-school system was dedicated to creating and maintaining a “safe and welcoming” system for the thousands of undocumented students on its campuses. He said that the CSU — which is the largest public university system in the United States — was committed to declining “agreements with state or local law enforcement agencies, Homeland Security or any other federal department for the enforcement of
federal immigration law.” California Democrats have also started rallying for the protection of undocumented immigrants fearing deportation. California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom called upon the CSU, University of California (UC) and California Community Colleges (CCC) to protect its undocumented students from deportation, writing letters to White and UC President Janet Napolitano. “We must take urgent stock of current policies and vulnerabilities pertaining to personal data held and processed by the California State University, to shield students from federal agencies under a Trump administration,” Newsom wrote in a letter to White on Thursday, November 17. The gubernatorial candidate for 2018 suggested collaborating campus police and administration on how best to protect these students and to establish these campuses as “Sanctuary Campuses.”
On Thursday, House Reps. from California Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) and Lucille Roybal-Allard (DDowney) penned a letter with Illinois Rep. Luis Gutierrez to Obama asking him to prevent the deportation of the 750,000 undocumented immigrants who were granted deportation deferral under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. They detailed that by forgiving nearly these individuals’ civil immigration offenses by way of presidential pardon, it would ultimately keep them from Trump’s promised deportation. That same day, the White House quickly shot down the proposal. “We note that the clemency power could not give legal status to any undocumented individual,” a White House official said. “As we repeatedly said for years, only Congress can create legal status for undocumented individuals.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJ Press)
2,400 Filipinos in Fukushima safe after...
PAGE A1 A 7.4-magnitude earthquake was recorded off the coast of Fukushima early Tuesday morning, November 22, at 5:59 a.m., Japan time, which strongly affected the Fukushima, Tochigi, and Ibaraki prefectures.
Tsunami warnings were also issued immediately in Fukushima and Miyagi, where the coastal areas were evacuated. The Philippine Embassy will continue to closely monitor the situation on the ground while keeping in touch with the Fili-
pino community leaders residing in affected areas. According to the DFA, there are currently 237,103 Filipinos residing in Japan with 9,074 in Ibaraki and 4,438 in Tochigi, prefectures also affected by the earthquake.
Ramos on ‘sneaky’ Marcos burial: An ‘insult... PAGE A1 preme Court ruled that Marcos can be buried at the cemetery in November, dismissing all the petitions against the burial, which were mostly filed by victims of torture during the martial law period. According to the court, the burial does not violate the Philippine Constitution. Ramos said that Marcos’ funeral at the Libingan ng mga Bayani is a “step backward” for President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.
“You must understand, that is just a happening in a series of happenings. The scheme of the Marcos family with the connivance of some elements of Armed Forces including the national police — some only, not everybody — is a step backwards for this administration in the sense that they are losing support, they are losing friends,” Ramos said. He also suggested that the police and military personnel involved in Marcos’s burial be probed or booted out of the of-
fice because “they were disloyal to the service for failing to inform their immediate commanding officers.” “Bakit nagawa yung sneak burial (How did the sneak burial happened) without you media knowing about it? There was advanced planning. Call it connivance led by the Marcos family together with some local police and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) official. I said local because the commanders did not know,” Ramos said.
PH, US chiefs assure military relations...
PAGE A1 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), a treaty that allows U.S. forces to be deployed in Philippine territory temporarily for maritime security and humanitarian and disaster response operations. Earlier this month, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenza-
na announced that some bilateral military drills between the Philippines and U.S. were eyed to be stopped. These include the Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) exercises, and the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) drills. The annual joint Balikatan exercise and EDCA, on the other
hand, will continue, as approved by Duterte, Lorenzana added. On the other hand, Harris previously said that no change has been finalized between the United States’ military cooperation with the Philippines. Harris, however, noted that it’s possible to have “re-scoping” of some joint exercises in 2017.
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Dateline USa
US teacher convicted for sex with PH girls, kiddie porn SANTA ANA, California—A former Southern California teacher has been convicted of child exploitation after prosecutors said he traveled to the Philippines to have sex with young girls and videotaped the encounters. The United States Attorney’s Office says 65-year-old Robert
Ruben Ornelas was found guilty on Thursday on seven counts including producing child pornography. The former Orange County teacher will be sentenced on Feb. 27, 2017, when he faces a total of 190 years in federal prison. Authorities said that after at
least three trips to the Philippines beginning in 2006, Ornelas brought video images of the sexual encounters back to the United States. Ornelas worked as a teacher in the Santa Ana Unified School District from 1992 to 2003, and coached a local girls’ softball team. (Inquirer.net)
The future of DACA under the Trump...
PAGE A1
by their parents. They did nothing wrong. They’ve gone to school. They have pledged allegiance to the flag. Some of them have joined the military. They’ve enrolled in school. By definition, if they’re part of this program, they are solid, wonderful young people of good character,” Obama said on Monday, November 14. “And it is my strong belief that the majority of the American people would not want to see suddenly those kids have to start hiding again. And that’s something that I will encourage the president-elect to look at,” he added. Under DACA, undocumented youth – who meet several guidelines – are granted certain privileges previously unavailable to undocumented immigrants including a renewable two-year work permit and exemption from deportation. Nearly 742,000 undocumented youth – with 8,000 Filipinos – are currently enrolled in the program, with one-third living in California, according to data from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The specific benefits vary from state to state; California, for example, also grants DACA recipients access to driver’s licenses in addition to work authorization and deportation protection. To add to the uncertainty of DACA’s future, Tiffany Panlilio, a DACA legal advocate at legal and civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles (Advancing Justice - LA), said that many DACA recipients are fearing work termination due to backlogging at USCIS. Because of the uncertainty of the program, Advancing Justice - LA has temporarily halted the processing of DACA applications and renewals. The organization has also encouraged DACA prospects to not go forth
with applying and spending the $465 fee until there’s confirmation from Washington. “The attitude in the last few weeks has completely changed,” Panlilio told the Asian Journal, adding the rush of fearful clients inquiring about the next steps to take to protect their rights. Panlilio said that although the future of the program is uncertain, Advancing Justice LA is offering free immigration screenings to see if recipients are eligible for other programs like family-based petitions, asylum and U-Visas, among others. “DACA has opened up the gates for so many opportunities here in California,” Panlilio said. “We have a lot of Filipino clients who have used to DACA to complete nursing school and have since become nurses. They’ve also become doctors and lawyers. So it’s complete change, and they’re not going to take this down without a fight to maintain their dreams in the United States.” Panlilio added: “I think one of the things that’s giving the community hope are organizations like ourselves which have agreed to have their back and support them. So right now, I think we’re all passed the mourning part, and I think we’re all ready to fight for their rights.” Apart from the benefits in the legislation, DACA has boosted the morale among undocumented immigrants, according to Anthony Ng, an immigrant rights and policy expert at Advancing Justice - LA. Ng – who is a DACA recipient himself – said that DACA provides far more opportunities for undocumented youth than ever before. “I think it’s valid to be fearful for your future, but the one thing I’m telling myself and other folks that I know who have DACA is to not lose hope. This fear shouldn’t let us stop fighting for our rights, and I think,
in this moment, the community has our back,” Ng said, adding that the community includes, not just immigrants, but all Americans who believe in “people’s humanity and equal rights.” DACA also provides a significant economic benefit to the program, Ng said. Because of the work authorization feature, DACA has allowed for individuals and families to improve their household incomes and prepare them for greater employment opportunities. “I think we really need to look at our elected officials to champion our communities by holding the line to Washington, D.C.,” Ng added. “I think it’s helpful to see mayors to affirm DACA in their cities and communities, whether it’s in a social or economic way. It really affirms that DACA impacts the community that we live in.” California lawmakers have already begun campaigning for immigrant rights, like Rep. Judy Chu who on Tuesday, November 15 urged the Obama administration to “protect” the undocumented youth from the proposed policies of the incoming presidential administration. “These children and families provided extensive amounts of sensitive information to their government, including fingerprints and relatives’ home addresses, with the understanding that it would not be used against them. We promised them security,” Chu said in a statement. “Now they are facing a nightmare. When we asked immigrants to come out of the shadows, we never imagined the election of a candidate who ran on a policy of mass deportation.” A study released last week by the Center for American Progress estimated that removing the DACA program could potentially cost “wipe away at least” $433.4 billion from the U.S. economy. (Klarize Medenilla/ AJPress)
OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 25-dECEmbER 1, 2016
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NaFFAA hails growing civic participation of Fil-Ams
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As evidenced by the last election cycle, higher voter registration rates and Fil-Ams running for public office are among positive indicators of engagement in the electoral process. “While the 2016 election results may be delightful to some and disappointing to others, we are nonetheless heartened by the growing participation of Filipino Americans who exercised their democratic right to choose the person who will lead our country in the next four years,” said NaFFAA National Chairman Brendan Flores. “We are also encouraged by the number of Filipino Americans who ran for public office in local and state elections. This is what community empowerment is all about, and they proudly demonstrated these aspirations on November 8.” NaFFAA’s FilAmVote program was notably successful in San Diego, California, where voter registration rates increased by 15 percent. “We estimate a 10 percent increase nationwide, thanks to the tremendous voter outreach conducted by our NaFFAA members across the country,” said FilAmVote National Coordinator Juanito Amor. “Voter turnout was also high among Asian Americans as a whole, as indicated by early CNN exit polling, but we don’t know just yet the share of votes casted nationally by Filipino Americans. I appreciate the tireless efforts of the many Filipino American groups to register voters, educate them about the issues and get them to the polls.” In acknowledging the outcome of the election, Flores stated that he is heartened by Presidentelect Donald Trump’s assurance that he will be president for all Americans. “We wish him well as he takes on this challenging task,” Flores said. “Fear, hate and bigotry dominated the political rhetoric of the presidential campaign. We hope that he will indeed, ‘bind the wounds of division’ so we can all ‘come together as one united people’ regardless of partisan differences. “NaFFAA stands ready to work with the new administration under President-elect Donald Trump to ensure that the voices of the millions of Filipino-Ameri-
Youth volunteers spurred NaFFAA’s FilAmVote program in Denver, Colorado.
cans across the United States are heard. We call on the new administration to fulfill their promises in empowering all Americans through education, creating safe communities, providing equal justice and representation under the law, creating uplifting policies for better job creation and helping businesses, and by giving recognition and respect to all Veterans.” An inclusive America “Hillary Clinton and her supporters are to be commended as well for their determined efforts and for the causes they championed,” Flores asserted. “Her long public service record is truly remarkable and we owe her an enormous debt of gratitude for her selfless dedication. We are also inspired by her call to build an America that is ‘hopeful, inclusive and big-hearted,’ one that is fair to people of all races and religions, for immigrants, for LGBT people and people with disabilities.” The plight of veterans, the men and women who served in the military, was also one of Clinton’s concerns when she was a U.S. senator and that of Trump when he was running for president. “Our Filipino World War II veterans have yet to be recognized for their service and sacrifice, an emotional issue that widely reso-
Photos courtesy of NaFFAA Communications
nated with voters,” Flores noted. “Fairness and justice demand the passage of the Congressional Gold Medal bill which is pending in Congress. We call on House Speaker Paul Ryan and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy to act now and get this legislation passed this year.” This measure was approved by the Senate in July and enlisted 310 cosponsors in the House. NaFFAA members across the country engaged their senators and U.S. representatives, through emails, personal visits and tweets in securing their support. Empowerment aspirations “To the Filipino Americans who ran for elective office or reelection to their current positions, our community owes you its deepest appreciation for your dedication to public service,” Flores added. “We congratulate all the candidates who succeeded, and we commend those who tried but fell short. Your efforts to represent us and give voice to our issues are inspiring examples of leadership. They are integral to our empowerment.” The following are the candidates who ran for various offices across the country: Rob Bonta, the first Filipino to serve in the California legislature, was reelected to a second term as the assemblymember for PAGE A4
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november 25-december 1, 2016 • oc/Ie ASIAn JoUrnAL
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Fil-Am young leaders take part in immersion trip to the Philippines this week
Jersey City honors Fil-Am Paralympics Gold Medalist Ray Martin by MoMar
G. Visaya
AJPress
JERSEY CITY - Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and the City Council honored Raymond Martin, a Filipino-American multiple gold medalist at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, during the Jersey City Council meeting Tuesday evening. “Congratulations to Raymond for his incredible achievements on a global scale,” said Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. “Jersey City is lucky to have a role model like him and we look forward to him setting many more records throughout his career.” A Hudson County Schools of Technology (HCST) County Prep High School Class of 2012 alumnus and Jersey City native, Martin set the Paralympic Record in the 1500m T52 race with a time of 3:40:63 in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. He also competed in the 400m race taking the top medal of gold, and winning the silver medal in the 100m race. “We are proud to have a Jersey City native like Raymond represent our city on an international stage,” said Jersey City Council President Rolando Lavarro. “Just as he has done in London and now in Rio de Janeiro, I have no doubt that he will continue to make Jersey City proud and serve as a positive role model for our city’s youth.” He previously also competed
in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, winning Gold in the 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m races. “I’m a little bit more experienced now. To come back for my second one was a great feeling and now I’m looking forward to Tokyo in four years. Rio put on a great Paralympic games but I know Tokyo would go above and beyond,” Martin told the Asian Journal in an interview after the ceremonies. “I’m going to hit training a lot harder, if that is even possible.” London offered four events for his category and Rio offered three. He competed in all events and won gold in six and a silver on his seventh. Asked about what this honor from his city meant to him, he replied with a quick smile. “It means a lot. My home is here in Jersey City, it feels good to come back and it feels refreshing that there are a lot of Filipinos supporting me,” he said. A lot of younger Filipino-Americans attended the event and we asked Raymond what his message for them would be. “You can be anything you want to as long as you put your mind to it. You can be a doctor, a lawyer, a professional athlete, just do a lot of hard work. It is possible,” he said. Although when he was growing up, he never thought he’d be a multi-gold medalist at the Paralympics when he grew up. “No, I did not imagine myself
as a gold medalist in the Paralympic games, or at this level of performance, for that matter,” he admitted. That changed in 2010 when he decided to try and go to his first games, the 2012 Paralympics in London. He was then 16 years old. “When I had a good performance there, I knew that I could do it,” he said. “Ray is a really special person, he serves as an inspiration to our current students and alumni at the Hudson County Schools of Technology, demonstrating that hard work and dedication truly do pay off,” said HCST Superintendent of Schools Frank J. Gargiulo. “We are elated that Jersey City is honoring an alumni of our schools, the recognition is well deserved.” The HCST Foundation originally awarded Martin a scholarship so he could attend the trials for the 2012 London Paralympics. “The records and accomplishments that Raymond has achieved is no surprise to the HCST family,” said HCST Foundation Executive Director Linda J. Quentzel. “We always believed in his abilities and determination, and knew we were making a wise investment in our student in helping him get to the 2012 Paralympics.” Martin is entering his senior year at the University of Illinois, concentrating in science and majoring in the Physician’s Assistant program.
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MANILA, Philippines — As the spotlight on U.S.- Philippine relations increases, the 2016 delegates for the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) prepare for a trip to Manila for its week-long Immersion Program starting Wednesday, November 23 FYLPRO officials announced. Ten selected delegates hail from diverse professional and personal backgrounds, with all having a passion to advance the Filipino community, both in the United States and the Philippines. This year’s FYLPRO delegates represent New York, Washington D.C., California, Hawaii, Washington, and Guam. The 2016 FYLPRO Immersion Program, which will be held on Nov. 23 to Dec. 2, 2016, is a joint undertaking between FYLPRO, the Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the United States and
the Ayala Foundation, Inc. The program is an all-expense-paid trip to the Philippines to meet with top government, business and civil society leaders. Minister Patrick Chuasoto, the Embassy’s Chargé d’Affairés ad interim and Chair of the FYLPRO Selection Committee, officially welcomed the delegates on a teleconference earlier in the month. The delegates have also expressed how much they look forward to reconnecting, and discovering more about their motherland. “I am honored to be a part of this immersion trip and thrilled to finally meet everyone,” said Joanne Boston, a 2016 FYLPRO delegate from California. “My batchmates are talented and passionate, and I look forward to seeing how our work will benefit the communities in our respective cities. It’s not everyday that one
is given the opportunity to make connections with people who can potentially make goals into reality. I already know this will be a life-changing experience.” The 2016 FYLPRO is made possible with the invaluable partnership of the Ayala Foundation, Inc., the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the generous support of corporate sponsors that include PhilAm Life, SGV, PHINMA Corporation, and Philippine Airlines. The 2016 delegates are: Noel Aglubat (New York, NY); Tiffany Batac (Washington, DC); Joanne Boston (Daly City, CA); Mark Calaguas (Chicago, IL); Brandon Dela Cruz (Honolulu, HI); Elizabeth Frilles (Honolulu, HI); Christopher Lapinig (Los Angeles, CA); Maria Teresa Quintans (Tamuning, Guam); Donny Rojo (Seattle, WA); and Jhett Tolentino (New York, NY).
NaFFAA hails growing civic... PAGE A3 district 18 in Alameda County. In Hercules, Calif. Andrew Gabriel, a 23-year-old law student, won a seat at the Rodeo-Hercules Fire Board, while newcomer Roland Esquivias won and placed second in the three open seats on the Hercules city council. In Vallejo, Calif., Bob Sampayan won as Mayor. A retired police officer, he has served in the city council since 2011. Hermie Sunga and Rozzana Verder Aliga were elected city councilmembers while Ruscal Cayangyang won a seat on the school board. Mae C. Torlakson put up a good fight but lost the Dist. 14 assembly contest for the Contra Costa and Vallejo area. In Daly City, Juslyn Manalo, a former community service worker who fought for the rights of Fil-Am veterans, became the first Filipina to win a council seat in San Mateo County’s largest city. Former Daly City Mayor Mike Guingona lost his bid, however, for northern San Mateo supervisor. In their bid for elective posts, success eluded Marjan Philhour, a Filipina-Iranian candidate for San Francisco Dist. 1 supervisor; Magdalena de Guzman, for San Francisco District 11 supervisor; former Hercules mayor Ed Manuel, for Concord city council; Council member Jim Navarro, for Union City mayor; Tony Daysog, for Alameda City Council, Evelyn Centeno, for the Martinez Unified School district, and incumbent Zachary Mallet, who lost his reelection to the Bart board district 7. In Bergenfied, New Jersey, businessman and community leader Salvador “Buddy” Deauna won a city council seat. A farmer’s son from Camarines Norte, Deauna is the eldest of 16 children. This is his first time to enter the political arena. Jonathan Wong didn’t quite make it to become mayor of Mahwah, New Jersey. Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes won re-election to the post he was elected to in 2012. Reyes is the first ethnic minority to become the Attorney General of Utah and hold statewide office in Utah. He sat on the Asian Pacific American (APA) Advisory Committee for the Trump campaign. Torlakson summed up best these electoral aspirations: “Together, we fought for our working families, for our children, and for our environment-- and, I am deeply proud of that fight. I may have lost the race to represent Assembly District 14, but I have not lost my drive to fight for the people of Contra Costa and So-
lano Counties. I will continue to work to improve the lives of our community members, and I am grateful that you gave me this opportunity.” Moving forward Two prominent Filipino Americans who have served in state legislatures are encouraged by the showing at the polls and the number of candidates from the community who threw their hats in the ring. They urge the Filipino American community to continue to be energized by the electoral process. Republican Delegate Ron Villanueva of the 21st District of Virginia and a member of Trump’s APA advisory committee said, “we have a lot of work ahead to advance our communities and make America great again, like fixing a broken immigration system, sustaining jobs here in America, restoring our prominence in the international community and having government work for us instead of against us. America is great because of its people, so let’s all unite, work hard and move our country forward.” Villanueva was elected to the Virginia state assembly in 2009. In her ninth year as a delegate to the Maryland Assembly, Democrat Kris Valderrama calls on the community to welcome President-elect Trump’s vow to be “president for all Americans,” but to also be “vigilant in protecting our civil and religious rights. I am deeply concerned by some of the hateful and frightening things he said about Filipinos during his campaign, particularly his plan to ban Filipino immigration to the United States, along with those from most Arab countries, which he considers a threat to national security. Such an action would ignore the many contributions that our community has made over the last century.” Valderrama also thanked President Barack Obama for his leadership in the last eight years, which he assumed “with grace, humility and with a touch of humor,” and for enacting the Filipino WWII Veterans Parole Program, which allows the families of certain WWII veterans to come to the United States and be united with their loved ones during their last years. Voter outreach During the election season, NaFFAA encouraged the active participation of Fil-Am millennials in voter registration and outreach. NaFFAA’s Capital Region partnered with APIA Vote and deployed more than half a dozen students from area colleges to make phone calls, reaching
26,000 voters in the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia region. “It’s my second year phone banking,” said JC Videna, a graduate of George Mason University. “It’s a civic responsibility for me as a Filipino-American to encourage people to vote. We are already marginalized in terms of numbers, but we do not want to further marginalize ourselves by failing to turn out at the polls. Every great change in the world has started with leadership, and in this country, that leadership is voted on. I did my part, and I hope others did the same.” John Victoria, a former US Navy Academy student, added, “The most fulfilling part about the entire experience was being on the frontlines as a direct touchpoint to our community. I am confident that our phone calls and voicemails may have been tipping points for some members of our community who had been on the fence about voting, or who may have felt their vote and their voice did not matter.” For Victoria, the most important lesson was being able to connect with Filipino American voters, regardless of their party affiliation, so their voices can be heard. “Low voter turnout makes it easy for elected officials to discount what we have to say because why should they care about the issues we voice in our community if we won’t affect election results?” Challenges ahead NaFFAA’s mission of community empowerment was put to the test in the last few months, and it will be tested again in November next year when voters elect their governors in New Jersey and Virginia. There’s also the mid-term elections in 2018 when House and Senate candidates vie for electoral support. “Off-year elections are a great way to maintain [the] momentum of voter turnout from the presidential election,” Flores said. “It would remind elected officials that we will remain engaged in shaping our government at all levels and at all times, and that we will continue to hold them accountable for their campaign promises. Let us lead in safeguarding our civil rights, protecting vulnerable communities from hate crimes and unfair treatment, encouraging diversity, inclusion, partnership and collaboration to help rebuild America and its future.” “Our resilience as a community, as borne out in our history of struggle and resistance, will see us through as we face tomorrow’s challenges.”
Kerwin Espinosa names De Lima... PAGE A2 ter he was charged in court. Before he was killed, the late mayor was supposed to provide authorities a list of drug protectors and government officials allegedly involved in narcotics. There were reportedly two affidavits prepared by the mayor before he was killed, of which his signatures were different. Kerwin insisted that the signature on the affidavit was not his father’s. PNP chief sheds tears Following Kerwin’s testimo-
nies that several police were involved in illegal drug trade, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General “Bato” Dela Rosa broke down into tears during the hearing. “Your honor, I can’t blame the public if they are losing trust and confidence to the police because I, myself sabi ko nga, hindi mo na minsan alam kung sino ang pagkakatiwalan (have said, you no longer know whom to trust),” Dela Rosa said. The chief also expressed that he wanted to reform the PNP but
at the same time, admitted having a hard time. “But I will never surrender. Sabi ko nga sa inyo, if you survived pre-board in the PMA (Philippine Military Academy), you will survive the world. Kaya ko ito. Hindi ko ito uurungan. Lilinisin ko ang PNP hangga’t sa makakaya ko (As I have told you, if you survived pre-board in the PMA, then you can survive the world. I can do this. I will not back down. I will reform the PNP as long as I can),” Dela Rosa added.
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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 25-dECEmbER 1, 2016
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Dateline PSeven hiliPPines years later: Justice still sought for Maguindanao massacre victims sioson AJPress
In this Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016 photo, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a signing ceremony in Beijing.
China mum on Duterte’s proposal to declare Panatag a sanctuary by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com
Viray
MANILA — Beijing refused to comment on the recent proposal of President Rodrigo Duterte to declare the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal into a marine sanctuary. This is contrary to the recent statement of Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar that Chinese President Xi Jinping was receptive to Duterte’s idea. When asked about China’s response to the president’s plan to declare the disputed shoal a lagoon, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang in-
sisted that Beijing’s sovereignty and jurisdiction over the shoal will not change. “China and the Philippines have reached an agreement on coming back to the track of dialogue and consultation for the settlement of the South China Sea issue,” Geng said in a press briefing on Tuesday, Nov. 22. Declaring the disputed Panatag Shoal in the South China Sea a maritime sanctuary would make it off-limits to all fishermen. All fishing activities inside the area will be banned but not around it. “The Chinese side has also made proper arrangements for fishing activities by the Philip-
pine fishermen in waters near Huangyan Dao in the interests of bilateral friendship,” Geng said. A statement earlier released by the PCO said that Xi vowed that Filipino fishermen will continue to have free access to the disputed shoal, which is their traditional fishing grounds. China hopes that the two countries will enhance cooperation to turn the South China Sea dispute into a “positive factor for friendship and cooperation.” Both the Philippines and China have been claiming Panatag Shoal, also called Bajo de Masinloc, which is located 124 nautical miles from Zambales.
New DOT campaign to cost P650-M by Mary
Grace Philstar.com
Padin
DAVAO CITY – Advertising company McCann Worldgroup Philippines will be in charge of crafting the new tourism campaign of the country, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said over the weekend. Tourism undersecretary for advocacy and public affairs Katherine de Castro said the P650-
million contract with McCann, which won the bid to be the advertising and promotions partner of the DOT for one year, includes the production and positioning of marketing materials, as well as the formulation of a new tourism slogan. “The P650 million, that’s not only for the tagline itself. That P650 million is inclusive of all the media placements from all over the world,” De Castro said.
in the massacre, told Associated Press. “It is so painful for us that every year we are here but nothing has changed.” In 2009, then Buluan vice mayor Esmael Mangudadatu was supposed to challenge Andal Ampatuan Jr., who belong to the once powerful political clan in Mindanao, for the gubernatorial post. According to reports, the convoys of families and supporters of Mangudadatu, along with journalists who were supposed to cover the event, were attacked by gunmen while on their way to the provincial capitol for the filing of Mangudadatu’s certificate of candidacy. The victims were shot and buried, and others were reportedly raped before killed. There are 197 accused in the case, of whom 122 were arrest-
ed and arraigned. However, the suspected mastermind, former Maguindanao governor Andal MARKING the death anniverAndal Ampatuan Sr., passed sary of 58 individuals in one of away from liver cancer in 2015. the bloodiest media and political At the same time, at least cases in the Philippines, media eight witnesses had been killed practitioners and relatives of since November 2009 accordMaguindanao Massacre vicing to the Amnesty International tims marched in protest along Philippines, who also previously Malacañang as there were still expressed their concern as no no convictions made seven years one has been held accountable after the killings in 2009. for these killings. Apart from the march, mass In a statement, the National and candle lighting were held Union of Journalist of the Philin commemoration of the deaths ippines (NUJP) said the Maguof 58 people, which include 32 indanao massacre “showcased journalists, who were slain in Sieverything that is wrong in the tio Masalay, Barangay Salman, rotten system of governance Ampatuan, Maguindanao on and disposition of justice in this November 23, 2009. country.” “It’s been seven years but we “It is a testament to how enhave not seen any progress,” trenched this system of goverArlene Lupogan, widow of one nance remains that, in a country of the media practitioners killed that never tires of proclaiming itself the freest and most democratic in this corner of the globe, seven years after the orgy of violence, justice remains elusive,” NUJP added. The NUJP also warned of possible “resurgence of threats and assaults on the independent Philippine press” due to President Rodrigo Duterte “who would brook absolutely no criticism of his person or his policies.” Duterte’s spokesman, Martin Andanar, on the other hand, said that the president “cares” and “believes in freedom of the press.” Last October, Duterte has signed his first administrative order (AO), Media groups, students and individuals continue to seek justice for the murder of 58 individuals, creating a task force to probe including 32 journalists, in the Ampatuan Massacre on its 7th anniversary. media killings. by dana
mote their country. Compare it to the Philippines with only P650 “The production of commer- million. This is very little. And cials, billboards, radio jingles if this is despite the fact that tourthere’s any, even the design of ism contributes 10 percent of the the website are part of the P650 GDP (gross domestic product) of the country,” she said. million,” she added. The plan to replace the curAccording to De Castro, the budget allotted to advertise Phil- rent tagline, “It’s More Fun in ippine destinations on a global the Philippines,” aims to build up scale is still comparatively lower tourism arrivals in the country, than neighboring countries such De Castro said. She cited anew the 2016 study as Thailand. “Thailand is spending millions by Nielsen, which assessed the and millions of dollars to pro- effectivity of the current cam-
paign. The study showed that 65 percent of respondents from the European market liked the slogan, but only 26 percent intended to come to the Philippines. Similarly, about 72 percent of North American respondents said they liked the campaign, but only 45 percent signified intention to visit the country. But the DOT vowed that the new campaign would still highlight the “fun” aspects of the Philippines.
“Rest assured it will still connote the fun part of the Philippines but we will be more specific. We would be more focused on the experience that tourists can have when they come to the Philippines,” De Castro said. For her part, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said when she was in Madrid for a meeting with the United Nations World Tourism Organization, she was questioned why there was a need to change the tagline when it was already a “good slogan.”
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november 25-december 1, 2016 • oc/Ie ASIAn JoUrnAL
OpiniOn
Features
Unrest
WHEN news broke out on Friday, November 18 that former Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos has interred at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery), it lit a fire. Public opposition is at high as more people mounting protests and unfurling banners saying that the former president “is no hero.” For some, the LNMB hold’s the nation’s esteem and reverence for those who have fought for freedom and democracy. The tyrant deposed by the People Power Revolution does not deserve such honor. For them, the burial was a slap in the face the country’s beloved democracy, and of the human rights victims during the martial law period. Today, various groups and organizations are marshaling support for rallies to denounce the notoriously callous decision by the Supreme Court allowing Marcos’s burial at LNMB. The decision was still subject to a motion for reconsideration. Voting 9-5 last November 8, the high court put an end to the issue, dismissing the petition filed by human rights groups, and victims during the martial law from 1972 to 1981. Marcos died in exile in Hawaii in 1989, three years after the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution toppled his twodecade rule. Albay Representative Edcel Lagman has pled the high court to order the exhumation of the remains of Marcos, saying that his burial was
“premature, precipitate and irregular” on the basis that the decision allowing the burial “has not attained finality and was not executory.” “The exhumation is imperative in order not to render moot and academic the petitioners’ forthcoming and seasonable motion/s for reconsideration, the resolution of which had been preempted by the precipitate burial in the wake of nationwide protests and cogent commentaries against the subject Decision of the [SC],” Lagman’s motion read. Former Senator Bongbong Marcos has called for unity amidst the growing clamor to exhume his father remains. “This was in keeping with his idea that he was but a soldier doing his duty, a citizen serving his country. We have waited 27 years to fulfill that wish that he left us with. But we are here today and we are able to grant him that wish,” the former senator said. Pres. Rodrigo Duterte stood by his decision to allow the internment of the former president at LNMB. “I have only two answers: He (Marcos) was a president, he was a soldier. His name appears on
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
the record, it was recognized,” Duterte said. And for those refuse to move on from this, the president has this to say: “You just have to live with your grief and that grief is hate.” Because there have been an alleged high number of atrocities done under Marcos’s regime,
this issue will remain hounded by higher public opposition. In this charged atmosphere, the government should find a solution to address this contentious issue and provide a ground for peaceful resolution of political conflicts. (AJPress)
A big majority of Filipinos in America don’t agree that Marcos’s burial at LNMB will heal the nation ultimate sacriTHE remains of the fice in offering deposed dictator Fer- The Fil-Am their lives for the dinand Marcos was country. schemingly buried in Perspective Marcos, on the the Libingan ng mga other hand, had Bayani (LNMB) last been deposed Friday, despite a movia the People tion for reconsideration Power Revolupending in the Supreme Gel SantoS-ReloS tion in 1986, as Court. The highest court of the land de- the Filipinos’ way of putting an end to cided in favor of President Rodrigo all the corruption and human rights Duterte’s decision to allow the burial violations he and his administration of Marcos in the National Heroes’ committed while in power. Burying Cemetery, contending that Marcos Marcos in the Libingan, they conwas a former president, soldier, legis- tend, was a desperate deplorable atlator who, by law, deserved to be laid tempt to rewrite history. Anti-Marcos protesters even asked to rest in the Libingan. Duterte said people should accept this, forgive, so the Supreme Court to allow the rethe country can unite and move for- mains of the late dictator to be exhumed; some warned that they would ward and unite. Once the news about the burial do so on their own nevertheless in spread, Filipinos protested in differ- the name of justice for those who had ent parts of the world, denouncing been victims of the Marcos dictatorthe burial. They said this is an insult ship. Filipinos in America, even among to the real heroes who have paid the
some who voted for Duterte, had been vocal about Marcos’s burial in the Libingan. The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America” asked its viewers in an online poll: Do you agree that Marcos’es hero’s burial will start to heal the division among Filipinos? Only 24 percent said YES. They said this will finally bring this issue to rest. An overwhelming majority — 76 percent — said NO. They contended that wounds have been cut too deep when it comes to the Marcoses. They said the former dictator’s hero’s burial is an issue that will be argued for generations to come. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
Will a Heroes’ Cemetery make a hero of Marcos? THOSE who are outraged by the Supreme Court decision to allow the burial of the late President Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani may take heart in this old folk proverb: “Ang matsing kahit bihisan, matsing pa rin!” (A monkey, even if dressed up, is still a monkey). Internment in a cemetery for heroes does not a hero make. Emilio Aguinaldo is buried on the grounds of his historic mansion in Kawit, Cavite. Manuel Quezon’s remains lie in the Quezon Memorial in Quezon City. And Jose Rizal’s final resting place is beneath the Rizal monument at the Luneta. These are all hallowed grounds. The heroes who are interred there make them so. Nobody is sure where the remains of Andres Bonifacio are. There are doubts that they are in the Bonifacio monument in Grace Park. But he is honored, nonetheless. Was it Marcos’s dying wish that he be buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani? Was it, perhaps, to ensure that his memory would be associated with heroism? Did he have doubts that this would be the case? Marcos had a penchant for appearances. He made sure he would be hailed as the most bemedalled soldier in World War II, never mind that that some – or many – of the medals were reportedly fake. It should, therefore, be no surprise that the Marcos clan would also like to make sure that he would be recognized as a hero – at least, by association with the Libingan ng mga Bayani. In contrast, Rizal had no such megalomaniacal illusions. A December 2013 article in the Philippine Daily Inquirer by Dr. Pablo S. Trillana III reveals that, before Rizal’s execution, he left a note (originally in Spanish) that stated: “Dear parents, brother, sisters: Give thanks to God who has kept me tranquil, before my death…. Bury me in the earth, put a stone on top, and a cross. My name, the date of my birth, and that of my death. Nothing more. If later you wish to surround my grave with a fence, you can do it. No anniversary celebrations! I prefer Paang Bundok.” Paang Bundok would later come to be known
as the Manila North Cemetery where, incidentally, Presidents Street Ramon Magsaysay, Sergio Osmeña and Manuel Roxas are Talk buried. But Rizal’s wish would not be followed. After his execution, his captors buried him secretly, without a coffin, in an unmarked grave in an obscure GReG B. MacaBenta cemetery in Paco, which is now Paco Park. It took the determined efforts of Rizal’s sisters for the grave to be found. Fearing desecration by Rizal’s enemies, the sisters had a marker placed with Rizal’s name engraved in reverse: RPJ. It was not until after the battle of Manila Bay, where the US ostensibly vanquished the Spanish armada, that Rizal’s family managed to have his remains exhumed, placed in an urn, and kept in a sister’s house in Binondo, there to stay for 14 years. In 1912, Rizal’s remains were finally placed at the Rizal Monument, where honor guards are posted 24 hours a day. Who knows? President Rodrigo Duterte may want to do the same to Marcos’s tomb at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. I hope he realizes, though, that honor guards do not a hero make. Having said that, however, those who consider Marcos the antithesis of a hero should face two harsh realities: Firstly, the Marcos family and thousands—maybe millions—of Ilocanos are firm in their belief that he was a hero. Secondly, the Marcoses have been more zealous in extolling that “heroism” than those who consider him a villain, a murderer and a thief. The fact alone that Senator Bongbong Marcos nearly won the vice presidency in the last elections should tell us that the story of Marcos’s villainy has been lost among the post-martial law generation. Who is to blame for that? The Marcoses who have unflinchingly, unwaveringly and unceasingly honored his memory? Or the civil society stalwarts, the martial law victims and the media who have presumed that their oc-
casional cries of “Never again!” would remain meaningful and relevant to each new generation of Filipinos? The Nazis may have immortalized the maxim that “a lie repeated often enough will be taken for the truth.” But those who went through two decades of Marcos misrule, but have begun to take for granted the significance of EDSA One epitomize the opposite dictum, “The truth, if not told often enough, will be taken for a lie.” This is one reason, among several, why many of those who marched in the People Power Revolt have since been defined by detractors as “belonging to the yellow horde” – a revision of the oncenoble symbolism of that color. I have read the official statement of De la Salle Philippines calling the Supreme Court decision on the burial of Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani “an ominous development” that “reflects the weakness of our democracy to exact accountability from leaders who abused and are abusing power.” The statement continues: “We, therefore, call on all our Lasallian teachers and partners to strengthen all their educational and community engagement efforts and programs towards a deepening of our people’s appreciation for democracy and human rights. Let us join with likeminded groups to create more robust advocacy on these issues,” Is this the first time that De la Salle has resolved to make this move or has it always been the case in the aftermath of EDSA One? I mean no disrespect for De la Salle, where I once taught Advertising Management and of which my eldest son is an alumnus, but my impression is that our people and well-meaning institutions are reactive, protesting perceived acts of injustice only when they are about to be perpetrated and going back to business as usual when the threat subsides. I am, frankly, puzzled why, it was only after the February 2016 commemoration of the People Power Revolution – the 30th year, no less – that the Philippine government - led by President Be-
nigno S, Aquino III, no less—began to look for a “permanent venue” for a People Power museum, to ensure that the horrors of martial law would not be forgotten by the forthcoming generations. The “experiential museum” installed at Camp Aguinaldo was described in one news report as a “pop-up” affair—in other words, temporary. Shouldn’t Presidents Cory Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos have thought about it, having been principal players in that historic event? Ramos did a much better job creating awareness of the first centennial of the declaration of Philippine independence in Kawit, Cavite, although even that ended up with only the Aguinaldo mansion as a permanent memorial to that historic event. Shouldn’t the son of Cory and Ninoy Aquino, as president of the Philippines, not have taken the “Imeldific” steps to memorialize that instance in Philippine history when the world regarded our country with awe and admiration? I use the term “Imeldific” because former First Lady. Imelda Romualdez Marcos is the only one I can think of who had the creativity and the zeal to build imposing structures, like the Philippine International Convention Center, the Folk Arts Theater and the Cultural Center of the Philippines to project her vision of a culturally rich and resurgent Philippines—never mind that the substance was like the façade of a Hollywood set. Now, here we are again, making loud noises over an injustice perpetrated by none other than the Supreme Court. But making loud noises is all that can be done for the next six years under Duterte, whose grand idea it was to have Marcos buried as a hero. But six years are not a long time. Enough time to plan on perpetuating the memory of martial law and Marcos rule with a structure that will last for generations – much like the Holocaust memorials of Israel. Enough time to be proactive. Not reactive. And this time, let it not be just Ferdinand Marcos depicted as the villain in that permanent memorial. The nine Supreme Court justices who handed down the decision deserve a place in that Hall of Shame. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)
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Dateline PhiliPPines
OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 25-dECEmbER 1, 2016
A
Ex-RCBC treasurer, 5 others charged over bank heist by Lawrence
agcaoiLi Philstar.com
MANILA – A former treasurer of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. and five other officers and employees were charged before the Department of Justice for violating Republic Act 9160, the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 in connection with the $81-million cyber heist involving funds of the Bangladesh Bank. The Anti-Money Laundering Council charged former RCBC treasury and retail banking group head Raul Victor Tan, national sales director Ismael Reyes, regional sales director Brigette Capiña, district sales director Nestor Pineda, customer service head Romualdo Agarrado and former senior customer relations officer Angela Ruth Torres. Both Agarrado and Torres were assigned to the Jupiter branch under branch manager Maia Santos-Deguito, who was dismissed for allegedly facilitating the entry and release of the money stolen from Bangladesh Central Bank last February. Former RCBC president and CEO Lorenzo Tan was not included in the charge sheet. He tendered his resignation last May 6 after he was cleared by an RCBC internal investigation. He was replaced by former Development Bank of the Philippines president Gil Buenaventura. In a 97-page complaint-affida-
vit filed last Nov. 18, AMLC said investigations showed the respondent officers and employees of RCBC facilitated the suspicious transactions involving the accounts of a certain Michael Cruz ($6 million), Jessie Christopher Lagrosas ($30 million), Alfred Vergara ($20 million) and Enrico Vasquez ($25 million) despite stop-payment requests from the Bangladesh Central Bank. The funds were transferred to the account of William Go, who owns Centurytex Trading, and eventually to Philrem Services Corp. owned by the Bautista couple. Philrem has been trading with RCBC’s Treasury Department over the past three years. AMLC’s Investigation Audit Group said the RCBC Jupiter branch committed know-yourcustomer lapses on the accounts involved. AMLC said the respondents failed “to conduct the requisite investigations and inquiries into the accounts, their beneficiaries and the transactions attributable to their knowledge about the unlawful origins of the funds or their deliberate refusal to know the unlawful origins of the funds.” Tan joined RCBC in December 2008 as first vice president in treasury and was also appointed as concurrent head of the retail banking group and acting head of treasury from 2013 to 2015. He ceased to be head of the retail banking group in January 2016 but remained head of treasury.
Tan resigned from RCBC last April 20. In the complaint-affidavit, AMLC said Tan violated the AntiMoney Laundering Law after ordering the immediate lifting of the hold order on the transactions without conducting enhanced due diligence. It said red flags are circumstances that point to suspected money laundering schemes and are intended to inform banks of suspected money laundering and fraud. “Tan placed no importance to these red flags – to the risks for money laundering – that the accounts posed. In fact, these red flags point to knowledge of the tainted source of funds,” the AMLC said. It said Tan failed to convene RCBC’s AML committee and escalate the money laundering alerts and at the same time failed to explicitly deter successive foreign exchange treasury transactions despite knowledge of the unlawful nature of the funds. The AMLC said Tan, Reyes, Capiña and Pineda failed to conduct enhanced due diligence and placed too much reliance on the unsubstantiated allegations of Deguito on the accounts. It filed money laundering charges against Deguito and the four fictitious account holders last March 15 and against casino junket operators and agents Kim Wong and Weikang Xu last March 22.
UN special rapporteur to visit Philippines in 2017 by Patricia LourDeS
Viray/Philstar.com
Rodrigo Duterte, according to her briefing note. “She reminded the Government of her previous communications and reiterated her interest in a joint visit with the Special Rapporteur on the right to health, along with the organisation of a joint expert consultation on drug control strategies and policies,” the briefing read. The special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings undertakes country visits to examine situations of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions worldwide. Callamard is also mandated to monitor the implementation of international standards on the right to life in all countries and engages with government and other stakeholders. The special rapporteur makes United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings Agnes Callamard has accepted the two country visits per year and reinvitation of the Philippine government to visit the country for a fact-finding mission. MANILA — The United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions has expressed her commitment to visit the Philippines in the first
quarter of 2017. Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard has sent a reply to the Government of the Philippines welcoming the invitation of President
UNDISTURBED THIS TIME. Fifty-six-year old Danny Palolay scans the surrounding waters for Chinese coast guards while fishing at Panatag Shoal. China has loosened its grip on the shoal after reaching a “friendly understanding” with the Philippines, allowing Filipino fishermen to return to the traditional fishing ground. Inquirer.net photo by Rem Zamora
UN alarmed over proposed Philippine law to lower criminal age to 9 years old THE United Nations (UN) expressed its concern over bills that propose lowering the age of criminal liability in the Philippines from 15 to 9 years old. President Rodrigo Duterte, who backs the proposal on lowering the age of criminal liability, originally wanted it to go down to 12 years old. Several senators, however, proposed lowering it to 9 years old. “Jail is no place for a child. It is alarming for children to be institutionalised (sent to a penal institution),” the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a position paper sent to Agence France-Presse on Monday, November 21. “It will be retrogression on the part of the Philippine government.”
According to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), a minimum age of criminal responsibility below the age of 12 years is considered by the committee ‘internationally unacceptable.’ “If children who have been exploited by criminal syndicates are penalized instead of the adults who had abused them, we fail to uphold the rights and wellbeing of children. If we fail to understand the underlying reasons why they commit crimes, we fail children,” UNICEF previously said in a statement. The organization explained that imprisoning children “further stigmatizes them as criminals and creates an environment that triggers repeat offense, often extending to adulthood. “Children, especially the most marginalized and at risk, must
be treated with a sense of dignity and self-worth,” UNICEF added. Among the bills that sought to revert the criminal liability back to 9 years old include the “Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility Act” filed by House Speaker Bebot Alvarez and Representative Fredenil Castro. Although Alvarez and Castro acknowledged that the intent of Pangilinan’s bill to protect the youth was “laudable,” they argued that R.A. 9344 or the Juvenile Delinquency Act of 2006 “pampers” the young offenders. “Its effects have had the opposite effects: The pampering of youthful offenders knowing they can get away with it. Worse, adult criminals individually, or in organized cabals knowingly and purposely make use of youth below 15 years of age to commit crimes,” Alvarez and Castro’s bill read.
ports to the UN Human Rights Council her findings and recommendations. Such country visits often take place for one to two weeks. “The general purpose of the visits of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions is to examine the level of protection of the right to life in law and in practice in the concerned country,” Callamard said. The inquiries into the cases of extrajudicial killings of the special rapporteur are of a fact-finding
nature only. “They are not of a criminal, judicial or quasi-judicial nature,” the briefing read. Under her mandate, Callamard is expeced to meet with government and other public officials at the national and local level. She is also set to hold meetings with various non-governmental organizations, representatives of international or regional organizations, the diplomatic community, victims, witnesses, detainees, and the media. Upon inviting the special rap-
porteur, the Philippine government commits to ensuring free, confidential and unsupervised interviews with victims, families of victims, legal representatives, detainees, and civil society representatives as a whole. The special rapporteur will hold a debriefing with the government to discuss her preliminary findings at the end of her investigation in the country. A report on the country visit will be submitted to the UN Human Rights Council.
by Dana
SioSon AJPress
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november 25-december 1, 2016
Director & filmmaker Jon Jon Augustavo on his artistic purpose and
2
discovering his Filipino heritage by Christina M. Oriel / AJPress
O
n a recent afternoon, award-winning director and filmmaker Jon Jon Augustavo visited Unidad Park in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown neighborhood, which houses the largest Filipino-American mural in the country. Surveying the work of art before him, Augustavo pointed to prominent Filipino and Fil-Am figures across various decades— those he’s seen or read about in the news or history books. Augustavo—whose mother is Filipina—grew up in Seattle and didn’t really know much about his Filipino heritage, other than it physically made him look different from his peers. “It makes you wonder about who you are and where you fit in,” he told the Asian Journal. “My past is littered with me trying to find where I fit in.” Over the past few years, especially since moving to Los Angeles, he has made more of an effort to identify and learn more about the Fil-Am culture. “It’s important that I know about the side that makes me look different and to be proud of it. I say I am Filipino American, even though I’m not sure culturally what that means. I’m not afraid to say it. But, I’d love to learn more about the cultural side,” he said. “Someone will say, ‘do you like this food?’ but I’ve never had it because I didn’t grow up with that. I grew up with a mother who was told to be an American.” Artistic purpose With parents who are artists in their own right, Augustavo showed creative promise and
Enjoying halo halo
drifted towards drawing, painting, and sculpting at an early age. Then, he began exploring the world of filming and editing when he received his first camera as a teenager. Guided by this hobby, he graduated from Washington State University’s Murrow College of Communication and landed his first job in writing and producing news at a station in San Diego. However, he was dissatisfied with this career path and played around with being behind the camera by making amateur music videos for friends in Seattle. He eventually enrolled in a graduate film program at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. “My friends were rappers and musicians and it seemed like something I could be good at. From there, I went to school for film and now I do it for a living. I started making shorts and commercials. My hobby became my job,” Augustavo said. One of Augustavo’s most notable creations is the music
video for Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’“Thrift Shop,” a hip-hop song that topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2013. That same year, Augustavo also went on to collaborate with the rapper and producer duo on videos for “Can’t Hold Us” and “Same Love.” The three videos were nominated for six MTV Video Music Awards. “Can’t Hold Us” won Best Cinematography and Best Hip Hop Video, while “Same Love” won Best Video with a Social Message. “Can’t Hold Us” was also nominated for Best Music Video at the 2014 Grammy Awards. “When I worked with Macklemore, it still felt like I was playing around. I was still in film school and we were buddies. ‘Thrift Shop’ was made with just friends. We had high school kids helping me. It was still the environment of film school, so I don’t consider that a professional job even though it was the biggest thing I’ve ever done,” Augustavo reflected. Though working with Macklemore helped ignite his
career as a director, Augustavo considers “Make A Little Room” for R&B artist Jarvis his first “professional” video since it was for Capitol Records and had a bigger budget. “This thing for Capitol was different. I had no friends on the job, everyone was professional and had that jaded professional attitude. I was this young director and no one gave me any respect. The label was very disrespectful. It was a very tough experience, but I needed that,” he said. “I grew up very quick from that one job. That was a tough video. The other day I was just reflecting on it with a friend, who was my one friend on the job. We walked away from it like, ‘Do we want to do this anymore?’” In nearly four years, he has worked with chart-topping artists, such as Shawn Mendes for several videos, including breakout hit “Stitches,” and Mike Posner for “I Took a Pill in Ibiza” (SeeB Remix). Augustavo’s artistic style of turning a song into a narrative has since progressed, as well. He
PLAY NOW TO DECEMBER 18
Director and filmmaker Jon Jon Augustavo
AJPress photos by Noel Ty
counts director Spike Jonze as one of his role models. “I think narcissistically or selfishly I look up to him because he started in the same place as me. He was kind of viewed as this young whippersnapper type and didn’t have a lot of depth to him because he was making these cool, funky videos. The guy’s making these very emotional, heartfelt films that are winning Academy Awards, [while simultaneously] making commercials to dramatize a lamp sitting on the sidewalk. Originally he didn’t get respect because he was making crazy videos, but he was using that to try things out… It’s cool to see that a guy like that, who started similarly to me, is now a very respected, A-level director for film and commercials,” Augustavo said. These days, Augustavo said he will only accept music video gigs that give him the creative freedom and confidence from the artist to
execute his ideas. “I used to just do really pretty shots and make the artist look good. I almost never use the artist anymore, just because I gravitate more towards film now and am trying to make movies. The last couple of years I’ve only done narrative. You can’t really do commercials if you don’t do narrative already because they want you to tell a story in 30 seconds, but in videos, that’s not necessary. Like 5 percent of videos are stories. They say ‘you don’t want that,’ but those are the videos you remember. Over the last three and a half years of videos, I’ve become more of just a narrative director. I have moved away from performance and style, which have been great. When I do videos, they’re definitely more of my video than the artist’s video. That’s the trust they give you when they hand it over to you,” the director said. Continued on Page 6
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Bubble Gang turns 21, honors comedy heroes by Jerry
Donato Philstar.com
“IT’S a wordplay on 21 gun salute, which is performed when we honor heroes,” replied Michael V., “Bubble Gang” creative director and lead comedian, when asked about this year’s theme of the Kapuso gag show: “21 Gang Salute.” Debuted in 1995, “Bubble Gang” is local TV’s longest-running sketch comedy. “We’re paying tribute to our heroes in comedy,” added Bitoy, the other name of Michael V. “We’re honoring the best 21 Filipino comedians in our book. We’re not saying na ito yung all-time na pinaka magagaling. The list speaks of ‘Bubble Gang’s’ choices of 21 best comedians in the Philippines.” Perhaps belonging to the top tier of the list are Dolphy, Rene Requiestas, Vic Sotto, Redford White and Joey de Leon. It’s also interesting to know how many comediennes will complete the list, if the word comedian also means comedienne. Questions: What signature works of the 21 best comedians will be recreated in the allotted segments for them? Will the show explain the contributions of the honorees? We will find out when the two-part TV special premieres on Nov. 25 and culminates on Dec. 2. “We have made a shortlist,” said Michael V. “You will know the final list during the airing of the anniversary special.” Since Bubble Gang has never failed to tickle the viewer’s funny bones, members of media were curious to find out the show’s secrets in eliciting laughs and guffaws. The stars generously shared their thoughts. “We’re very serious with our comedy,” said Paolo contis. “Hindi lang kami basta nang-gagaya, seryoso kami sa mga ginagawa namin.” For Boy 2 Quizon, the answer was simple. “Lahat kami may sayad,” he said jokingly. “It feels like we’re just playing instead of working.” This work attitude, as the stars would agree, boils down to their love for comedy as expressed by chariz Solomon. “We love what we’re doing.” Betong Sumaya, with his funny accent, added, “It’s the burning passion to bring comedy (to everyone.) It’s not just about money, although gusto din namin iyon.” This and the family atmosphere
november 25-december 1, 2016 www.asianjournal.com
Sarah takes front row seat at Matteo’s Cebu concert
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couple of modern hits like “cake Much to the delight of fans By” the Ocean” and “Secret Love at singer-actor Matteo Guidicelli’s Song,” among others diverse 10th anniversary concert in his sounds. hometown cebu, his superstar he particularly soared during girlfriend Sarah Geronimo was in Antonio Aquitania: ‘I’m excited to go to work. the front row of the sold-out show his duets with his special guests Alam kong masaya ang gagawin naming for the night. he first proved that from start to finish. taping.’ his Bisaya-speaking skills were Dubbed spot on via “hahaha hasula,” “#MatteoMadeincebu,” the special which he performed together show was held at the Waterfront cebu hotel in Lahug on November with its original singer and fellow cebuano Kurt Fick. 18, and saw the handsome his balladeer side came all the crooner truly inspired. more too when he sung“Wag Ka Besides showcasing the Nang umiyak” with KZ Tandigan. different kinds genres he can Fans were especially thrilled when render, Guidicelli’s three-hour he changed part of the lyrics show was made possible by Michael V., the show’s creative director and to “hindi ko siya pababayaan” what he calls his “dream team,” lead actor: ‘(Success) does not rely only on Boy 2 Quizon: ‘It feels like we’re just playing glancing at his special guest on composed of director Rowell instead of working.’ one person.’ the front row. Santiago, and musical director and kept its viewers engaged. “It’s on the set keep the mainstays And to be sure, his duet with Louie Ocampo. Sarah Geronimo evolution,” he said. “The stars, the as well as the creative team concert King Martin Nievera The “Ipapadama Na Lang” writers need to evolve. Pati yung enthusiastic about what they do. It he delightfully showed off his brought the house down when he pulled one surprise after another buong network minsan nakikiis the reason why they are always chiseled arms and abs wearing an sang the OPM icon’s hit “Say That on stage, including a duet each evolve din. It’s how you make a on their toes. unbuttoned denim vest. You Love Me” in Italian. with his favorite singers Randy fresh take on an old punchline, “I’m excited to go to work every Guidicelli concluded his On his own onstage as the Santiago and Rico J. Puno via split paano mo babaliin yung set-up Monday,” said Antonio Aquitania. anniversary party with a Maroon night went on, the ever-romantic screen performances. or vice versa, or how to come up “Alam kong masaya ang gagawin 5 medley where he thanked his celebrity dedicated a few more he impressed the crowd too with an original material. (Success) naming taping.” The stars are one fellow cebuanos for their support. love songs to Geronimo, and by singing songs in different does not rely only on one person. in their intention to share the adorably to his grandmother who As a way to give back for the languages, a talent he had never That’s why it’s a gang (Michael V. is happiness they experience inside decade’s worth of blessings he was also in the crowd. showcased before. referring to the show’s title Bubble the studio and wish to bring that Bringing on the fun, the hunky received in showbiz, the singerIn honor of his most recent Gang). Yung mga writers namin to every Kapuso watching ‘Bubble actor mounted the concert for the then actor teased the crowd with teleserye role as Gian carlo in sila talaga yung hands-on. They are Gang.’ benefit of the Kythe Foundation. a Ricky Martin medley complete “Dolce Amore,” Matteo also sang really the ones who go out on the “It’s fun to do and it’s fun to with Sinulog dancers behind him. (ManilaTimes.net) its theme song “Your Love,” and a streets, mingle with people to know watch,” said Bert de Leon, who what’s in and the trends now, at yun replaced direk uro dela cruz in ang gagamitin naming materyal.” helming the weekly gag show. Tweaking familiar jokes and “It’s a challenge because I have big coming up with new materials are shoes to fill… Ako yung pinakahuli the challenges any gag show deals sa mga pumasok dito. Hindi naman with episode after episode. For the siya rocket science kasi may formula actors, however, translating comedy na yan. We’re open. everyone can SINGeR-comedian Blakdyak was found dead sketches on TV and acting them out make suggestions. Lahat pwedeng inside his rented studio-type apartment on Monday are the battlegrounds. mag-contribute. Walang monopoly night, Nov. 21. “I think there are times when sa creativity although the head is A televised report by cNN Philippines said he was what we find funny doesn’t appear Bitoy. So what I do is try my best found at 6 p.m. by his young son naked and with a funny to the viewers,” said Paolo. to present the comedy in a very plastic bag around his head. “Ilang beses naming nakita na ang tasteful (manner). I’ve done a lot Police said his son was wondering why his dad saya naming ginagawa pero nung of gag shows. With all our inputs still had not opened his room so the kid peered from a pinanuod pangit. (As an actor,) your combined, tulong, tulong lang. I window to check. priority is to make the audience listen to the staff (and ask them) The Filipino-Barbadian known as Joseph laugh not (putting) yourselves (in ‘Paano dati ninyo ito ginagawa? Formoran Amoto in real life sang the novelty hits stitches) on the set.” Is there any room to improve “Modelong charing,” “Noon At Ngayon” and “Asin At “Gawing natural yung mga whatever segments are on the Paminta.” eksena, hindi pilit, hindi mukhang script for that day?’ So it’s work but On June 2014, Blakdyak got arrested for allegedly inaarte namin,” added Sef again it’s fun (to do).” creating trouble in an apartelle in cubao. That same cadayona. “The scenes should look Michael V., meanwhile, pinned year in October he also faced drug charges. down the answers on how the show real — that they do happen in real According to investigators, it is still too early to The Filipino-Barbadian known as Joseph Formoran Amoto in real life life and in any setting.” has stayed at par with comedy say if there was foul play. (Philstar.com) sang the novelty hit “Modelong Charing.”
Singer-comedian Blakdyak found dead in his home
november 25-december 1, 2016 www.asianjournal.com
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Aljur, Janine talk love & relationships
Sid Lucero on why Filipinos don’t watch indies by Tessa Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net
may have a Best Actor award from an international film fest as proof that my indie movie is good, or that my director or the movie itself won an award abroad, and yet we just get a few days at the cinema and we get kicked out,” Lucero continued, never one to mince words. “But again, I’m not going to say I don’t understand why Filipinos choose not to watch indies because I do. Because again, why would you want to watch something that happens to you all the time and spend money on that? Because that’s really what the winning indie films abroad show—poverty in the Philippine setting.” still hoping for a change of heart among moviegoers, especially with the kind of material, artistry and passion that goes into this filmmaking genre, Lucero is still optimistic that over time, his fellowmen will choose to experience pieces which have touched the lives of foreign audiences over and over again. A thinking actor—overthinking at times in fact, as Lucero confessed—it may well be that a few adjustments in how a particular truth in society is presented could make dent in cinema habits. “toto,” his latest indie, is poised to serve as his case study. “I play toto in this indie movie, which uses humor in presenting someone with very Pinoy traits and attitudes,” Lucero said of his LA Comedy Festival Best Actor portrayal.
Just a couple of days before the Metro Manila Film Festival by BoT Glorioso stunned the movie industry with Philstar.com the selection of an all-independent HIs heart is in a state of bliss lineup of finalists for 2016, sid while hers is still recovering from Lucero sat down with The Manila pain. If you’ve been reading Times and offered insightful views showbiz news lately, then you on what has certainly become know the reason behind Aljur a timely discussion. the viability Abrenica’s happiness and Janine of independent movies at the Gutierrez’s heartbreak. Philippine box office. then again, for those A very passionate indie actor uninformed, Aljur is on Cloud 9 himself—and multi-awarded at these days because he and Kylie that—Lucero deeply laments Padilla are back in each other’s the reality that while Filipino arms after calling it quits some independent filmmakers have two years ago. Janine, on the set off a winning streak in the other hand, recently broke up with international arena, they almost Elmo Magalona, her boyfriend of always fail to succeed on native two and a half years. soil when they run their critically No wonder, everyone present acclaimed movies commercially. at the pocket interview for Aljur But despite the fact that he and Janine’s “usapang real Love has only appeared in a single Aljur Abrenica and Janine Gutierrez topbill the latest offering of GMA 7’s “Usapang Real Love mainstream movie out of his Presents relationship Goals” Presents Relationship Goals” that will air for four Sundays starting Nov. 27. wanted to hear whatever they filmography, Lucero is also realistic could further share to the public. lack of time had caused her and of him and Kylie during their enough—and more importantly “You can ask me anything,” Elmo to go on separate ways. she receptive enough—to go beyond recent trip to Japan. “I should said Aljur who was obviously in his have done things like that before was certain that she fought for his artistic pain and discern the element when he sat down for an pero mas priority namin dati kung her love but sob and sigh, they situation. Pragmatically too, he interview. so when the name of seemed not truly meant for each ano ang sasabihin ng ibang tao. has done so not from his side of his ladylove was mentioned, Aljur But it’s different now, I show my other. the equation but from the Filipino began sharing a mouthful. “’Pag mahal ko, mahal ko happiness and I’m glad people moviegoing public’s perspective. Aljur confessed that his love talaga. As long as I can, I will fight have accepted us.” Why is it hard to draw Filipino for Kylie remained even after for my love,” Janine said. “But Asked if their second chance audiences into indie movies? their romance fizzled out in 2014. at love will lead them to the altar, would it still be right to go on if “It’s because they don’t want to “We became bestfriends after it is no longer possible for love to see their hardships on screen,” the Aljur said they haven’t discussed our relationship (ended). I cannot about settling down yet but last?” ever opinionated scion of Philippine exactly say ‘nakipagbalikan ako’ the decision was mutual, assured, “I love her ever since and showbiz’ highly respected because we both felt it’s about said Janine who never denied it didn’t lessen a bit even when Eigenmann clan of actors averred. time; that we’re ready to be about crying buckets after the we broke up siguro lang kasi we “I admit it’s frustrating that I together again.” split. “Kahit ano namang breakup were young then kaya nangyari He added that their constant masakit at mahirap.” And though yung ganun.” communication made them she’s still hurting, she didn’t think What does he expect from realize that they still care for each or speak ill of Elmo. Instead, she Kylie? other. “We talked about things prays for the success of his acting “None because my love for from time to time and after several her is unconditional. Lagi ko career. “I still wish him the best. times of meeting and talking for Hanggang doon na lang yun; siyang binibigyan ng panahon hours in coffeeshops, we felt na di and I avoid things that would maybe we become friends in the naman talaga nawala yun (love) so lead us to have a gap or future,” said Janine who steered we both decided to be together the topic on her character Yapi misunderstanding.” again. in the latest offering of urL with However, Aljur hasn’t talked “But it didn’t happen Aljur as Kiso. yet with Kylie’s dad robin to overnight, the process was “Masaya at mas makulit si formally tell him about their gradual. No one took the first Aljur dito at ako naman, my role present status. He is just waiting move. I think we’re just mature is very focused on my career,” for the right time to talk to robin enough to handle things, na she shared. “this is our third time who is busy, especially now that hindi dapat madaliin. that’s to be working together,” Aljur Mariel has just given birth to why, we came to a point na said. “I can say that Janine is a their first child. “I want to present it just happened na lang; na versatile actress because she myself and tell tito robin that nagkabalikan kami.” excels in drama and comedy. whatever happened to me and the Kapuso actor admitted he Kylie before, ‘I love your daughter May pagka-rom-com ito kaya took to social media to express his very much.’” mang-aasar lagi yung character Actress Neri Naig has given birth to a healthy baby boy. happiness, sharing some photos ko dito,” he added. Meanwhile, Janine said that
Sid Lucero
Antonio “toto” Estares is from tacloban, the Visayan province ravaged by typhoon Yolanda. His father left them penniless; his mother has cancer. He works at a hotel in Manila, and tries every which way to get to get a us visa in the hopes of giving a better life for his family. toto makes one failed attempt after another to get a us visa, risking friendships, his job, a lot of borrowed money, his dignity, and his heart. “toto is all about the power of the dream. Although the failures of his father haunt him, it’s the power of his father’s dream that fuels him, not just for himself, but for those he loves, to help better their lives and achieve their own dreams. some call it the ‘American Dream,’ but for those beyond the us it’s simply ‘the dream.’ After all, there is a toto that resides in all of us,” Lucero ended.
Neri Naig gives birth to baby boy
EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
by roseTTe
adel
Philstar.com
ACtrEss Neri Naig has given birth to a healthy baby boy. Although no details about her date of birth was disclosed, Neri’s husband, Parokya Ni Edgar vocalist, Chito Miranda, posted the photo of their first child on Instagram confirming the news. the proud father posted it with the short caption “Wassup world.” Miranda couple’s bundle of joy was named after the real name of Chito, “Alfonso,” as previously announced by Neri. Neri likewise confirmed her safe delivery by posting a photo of her in a hospital carrying her newborn son. Just recently, Neri slammed a basher who commented asking her if the child inside her womb is still alive, citing that it must have been 12 months old already. she has dealt with a sensitive pregnancy. Neri and Chito last May 2015 announced that they are expecting their first child. However, in August 2015, Chito revealed his wife suffered miscarriage.
EMPLOYMENT
FOSTER HOMECARE
The Metamorphosis
ErniE D. DElfin
5 ‘Do good anyway’: A prescription for a better society Pechanga Resort & Casino wins 4 ‘best of’ (My Thanksgiving prayer) awards: Journey at Pechanga Golf Pro recognized as 2016 Merchandiser of the Year
Hillary proved to be a bad messenger to market that IT’s Thanksgiving week, two weeks after a very divisive election needed change, considering that she has been in politics for campaign in the United states. over 30 years, compounded by It’s the right time to reflect and the trustworthiness issues that ponder what we can be grateful plagued her throughout the for, amidst many matters that campaign. we may not agree with, nor even The 2016 election is history, could fathom why things happen and one significant blessing that that way. The stunning victory of donald we as a country still enjoy is the peaceful transition of power from Trump, a complete outsider from the democratic Party (Obama) the political establishments, to the GOP (Trump). I admire has surprised millions of the humility of both Obama people, the media and even the and Hillary in conceding defeat national pollsters. Thousands of and advising their millions of commentaries have been written supporters to give the presidenttrying to analyze why he won, elect a chance to prove himself. despite his own share of human Obama declared, “If President frailties, personal biases, foul Trump succeeds, then the country language and lack of respect for succeeds!” women, Islams, Asians, Jews or The next four years will be Mexicans, or even to veterans the judge. If his rhetoric are just who became POws and Pwds! empty promises and the present To the utter surprise of about problems — from economic to half of the entire electorate, his national security, to trade relations “Make America Great Again” to immigration, etc. — remain promise resonated much better or even get worse, then his with the people that made him win. This was despite all the heavy presidency will just be one term. And that will give the democrats “baggage” that were thrown against him by his opponents from strong reasons to say, “we told you so!” and they will come back his own party during the primary, as well all the other parties during stronger in 2020! Looking back at America’s the heated campaigns. history, however, I pray and Trump was able to exploit still believe that we will survive the liberal media to cover him throughout his campaign because the next four years of Trump presidency. I will personally wait of his calculated unorthodox and see what Trump will do, and ways and verbal assaults against not just relying on his tweets and so many groups of people and ethnicities that always made them words that are often contradictory to his actions. as “breaking news.” The recent election has Cumulatively, his “genius” ways divided this nation, but America of campaigning turned several has experienced more bloody critical blue states, especially in divisions in the past which were rural America (that democrats more tragic, like the American completely ignored and assumed Civil war, and the Civil rights to remain blue) where poverty is also serious issue especially among movement of the 1960’s. The non-college educated whites, into voice of reason and the collective red. To millions of these neglected actions of the vast majority of Americans, Trump appeared to be Americans prevailed. The strong fiber of freedom and democratic their redeemer and savior to their principles “ OF the people, BY economic woes and declining standard of living after eight years the people and FOr the people,” born from the blood, sweat and of a democratic administration. tears of millions of Americans The majority desired change, and from all walks of life, will hopefully the change promised by Trump remain as the strongest glue appealed more to them versus and foundation of this country’s Hillary’s promised change.
november 25-december 1, 2016
www.asianjournal.com
freedom, liberty and justice way of life, that still remains the envy of the world. with a vibrant freedom of the press, coupled with countless organizations and parties that are watching vigilantly over the Trump administration, I am conditioning my mind to be optimistically hopeful that his campaign promise to “Make America Great Again” will be realized, with his excellent business sense by appointing capable cabinet members, and directors and administrators of various agencies of the federal government. His anticipated appointments of several justices to the supreme Court will tilt the pendulum to the right and will have an impact to the national landscape. His presidency will be a more lasting legacy than his well-advertised success in his Trump organization. His material wealth may be ignored by historians after he dies, but his accomplishments or the lack thereof as POTUs will be in history books centuries after him. The last election should give us some dire yet timely warning of what could happen to this country if the trend of disunity and distrust from each other continues. To help cure this national malaise, we must ACKNOwLEdGE that there is indeed a problem to be solved, and then we must also be vigilant and be AwArE of the various ramifications of Trump as a complete outsider. His being a challenger from the private sector could make him like God’s anointed david slaying the giant Goliath (washington) that contributed to a massively obese government making it very inefficient to ease the sufferings of millions of disenchanted Americans in their lives. Furthermore, we the people must also do our share by our own ACTION as law-abiding citizens in whatever capacity, like an honest taxpayer, or simply becoming a producer and not just a welfare beneficiary consuming dole-outs from the Continued on Page 6
AwArds season is upon us, but we’re not talking the Emmys, EsPYs or even the Oscars. Pechanga resort & Casino was recently awarded top honors by three nationally recognized magazines and organizations for its guest service excellence and amenities. The Temecula resort/ casino beat more than 20 other competitors for the distinctions. readers of the soCal Gaming Guide named Pechanga resort & Casino as the Best Casino in southern California. Voted on by magazine readers, 22 southern California tribal casinos were eligible for the distinction in the annual reader’s Choice 2016 BEsT CAsINOs conducted in August. Pechanga was also awarded Best Overall Gaming resort, Best Golf Course, and Best Craps by Casino Player Magazine. A repeat winner in Casino Player’s Best Of series, the full-service resort and Journey at Pechanga golf course were the catalysts that won readers over this year. rated among the top public courses in California by Golfweek magazine, readers love the sacred tribal aspects of the course as well as the challenging terrain. The southern California PGA bestowed Journey at Pechanga’s First Assistant Golf Professional, Bill Crist, with the 2016 Merchandiser of the Year. The course’s 2,600 square foot pro shop features clubs, balls, shoes, apparel, gadgets, magazines, and anything else a golfer needs to go from street to golf chic in a matter of minutes. “Providing friendly customer service is always the top priority for us at the Journey Pro shop,” said Bill Crist. “If we don’t carry something a golfer wants, we’ll do everything we can to find it.” “At Pechanga we strive to provide a truly exceptional experience to all of our guests - on the casino floor, at the hotel, in the spa and on the golf course, so to
be recognized by those guests for our efforts is an honor,” said rudy Prieto, Pechanga resort & Casino General Manager. Pechanga’s 200,000 square foot casino floor sets the bar high for casinos throughout the country, having a larger casino floor than any Las Vegas resort, as well as being one of the largest resort-casinos in the United states. A selection of 3,400 slot machines, 130 table games, 700seat Bingo hall, 43-table poker room, dedicated non-smoking areas and opulent high limit amenities, the prestigious awards are well deserved. To experience all the award winning amenities and gaming Pechanga resort & Casino has to offer, visit pechanga.com. Pechanga Resort & Casino Pechanga resort & Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino
experiences anywhere in the United states. Voted the Number One Casino in America by readers of UsA TOdAY and rated a Four diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway. Offering more than 3,400 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 517 hotel rooms, dining, spa and championship golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga resort & Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free 1-888-PECHANGA or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga resort & Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @PechangaCasino. *Advertising Supplement
why ORGANIC? Organic products meet stringent standards Healthier for you & kids Organic food tastes better Organic farming respects natural resources Avoids pesticides & are artificial-fertilizer-free Non-GMO, no synthetic pesticides, no growth-promoting antibiotics There are many, many more reasons to go Organic. But in short: You’ll leave the world a better place than when you found it
november 25-december 1, 2016 www.asianjournal.com
Health@Heart
Allergies 101
A grateful, humble heart
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond
cuisine. Inspite of their instruction to the waiter to make sure the chef did not add MSG (Mono Sodium PhiliP S. ChuA, Glutamate, a flavor enhancer) to Md, FACS, FPCS the food they ordered because he was allergic to it, somehow MSG was used anyway. After ingesting What is an allergy? — French Proverb An allergy is a condition where a mouthful, my friend became very short of breath, collapsed, and workers to spend time with their the body overreacts following died a couple of hours later from families. Touche. “contact” with an allergen (dust, anaphylactic shock. Today, many in the immigrant molds, pollen, flower, dander, fur, What is Chinese Food population accept and relish animal protein from hair, perfume, Syndrome? this tradition of giving thanks to cosmetics, medications---applied Monosodium Glutamate has God for blessing a country that to skin or swallowed---food or has been heaped with so much drink, etc.). Symptoms could be as been used for years as a food enhancer in many recipes in abundance, its cornucopia still trivial as sneezing or as serious as restaurant or at home. People who filled to the brim, despite the sudden inability to breathe, shock are sensitive to MSG (whose food many challenges it has faced for a and death. has a lot of MSG) may experience protracted period of time. What is the incidence of mild and transient warmth and The immigrant whose head is allergies? flushing in the face and the rest screwed on tight and whose heart About 10 percent of people of the body, some with mild chest is in the right place can appreciate have some form of allergies or tightness that goes away in a few a bit more the significance of another. So, almost 10 million minutes. Since many Chinese giving thanks to God for a country Filipinos suffer from this malady. recipes call for the use of MSG, this he has adopted to be his own, no Luckily, most of the allergies reaction has been termed “Chinese matter the struggle and the rigors people have are mild. If repeated he has had to go through and exposures to the same allergen, at Food Syndrome.” This is actually not an allergy, but there are some which in turn, has accepted him to the same high dose, are allowed people to are really allergic to MSG. be a part of. to occur, the symptoms could What is anaphylactic shock? Thanksgiving is a time to become more severe. This is a violent allergic forget our petty concerns, tune What triggers the symptoms? reaction, which results in massive out of the noise, confusion and Allergic reaction is triggered, melee that try our souls, and take and symptoms develop, when the swelling and rapid closure of the air passages, precipitous drop in blood absolute joy in the moment of just body’s immune system detects pressure, and death by suffocation. being alive. the presence of an allergen. This In some cases, bee stings have And if you are one of the lucky automatic protective response is caused anaphylactic shock. ones, Thanksgiving Day is a time aimed at warding off any adverse how common is food allergy? to simply take quiet, humble joy in effects of the “culprit substance” on Medical reports have shown being blessed with the gift of one the body by producing antibodies that about 2% (two out of a thing more, without which, hell and mobilizing the “immune has your soul in a stranglehold. soldiers into the battlefield to fight hundred) of adults and about 8% of children have true food allergies. This free gift is nothing more the invading foreign” substance. than the gift of a grateful, humble This is a natural part of the defense Food allergy is not the same as food intolerance (like stomach heart. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO mechanism of our body. aches following ingestion of ALL!!! What are the symptoms of milk for those with deficiency of *** allergies? Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP lactase, the enzyme that digests From the mild symptoms to of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send the life-threatening ones, they lactose--milk and milk products). comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ could be one or a combination Food intolerance is due to body asianjournalinc.com metabolism and does not involve of the following: sneezing, nasal the immune system. Some people congestion, runny nose, red, are allergic to shellfish, peanuts, itchy watery eyes, skin rashes or a few to chicken. Cow’s milk, soy, hives, stomach cramps, nausea, wheat and eggs are common vomiting, tachycardia (fast People really need help but may heart beat), dyspnea (difficulty cause of allergies in children. In attack you if you do help them. breathing), wheezing, hypotension some cases, children outgrow their Help people anyway. allergies, but early peanut allergy (drop in blood pressure), cardiac Give the world the best you can be for life, although new arrest (stoppage of heart beat), have and you’ll get kicked in the strategy using desensitization is and death. While the last 3 teeth. now being used to treat them. situations are not common, they Give the world the best you What are the signs of an are nonetheless very significant have anyway. allergic reaction? and still far too many, especially Let us all do our best to help Sneezing, skin rashes or because these are preventable Trump and our country become hives, runny nose, swelling of the disasters. a better place for all of us. The have there been deaths from lips or tongue, stomach cramps, president alone cannot do it by vomiting and diarrhea, difficulty in exposure to animal hair? himsef. We the people MUST breathing, wheezing, and in more Yes, and two such sad and also get engaged and do our own tragic deaths happened to my severe cases, anaphylactic shock as share of AAA: Acknowledgement, godson and, in a separate incident, described above. Awareness, and Action as much as to a friend’s daughter (both in their how about allergies to food we can. twenties), who died within an hour additives? Happy Thanksgiving, Adverse allergic reactions to after exposure to horses in a barn. everyone! some food additives have been how about fatal allergy to *** reported. Among some of them MSG? Email: ernie.delfin@gmail.com are aspartame (as in Equal, a A classmate of mine, a chest Website: www.gkerc.org sweetener), MSG, FD&C Yellow surgeon from California, was www.gk1world.com No. 5 (a food color also known as attending a meeting in Nice, tartrazine), and sulfites (sulfurFrance, a few years ago, when he and his wife decided to eat oriental based preservatives). Following controlled studies in aspartame, food, after a week of French
“Gratitude is the heart’s memory.”
Monette AdevA MAglAyA ABOUT 400 years ago, the first Pilgrims who settled in the New World celebrated Thanksgiving Day after their first harvest in 1621. With prayerful thanks in front of the food they harvested from the soil and feasting with Native Americans as honored guests, this tradition, has been preserved through much of American history by presidential proclamations beginning with George Washington and lives on to this day. Washington proclaimed, “It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor.” This first batch of immigrants was particularly grateful to Squanto, the Native American and former British slave who, not only acted as interpreter but also taught them the ropes on how to live off and with nature, teaching them how to fish, plant corn and generally survive the harsh conditions of the new land. There is strong reason and evidence to believe that without Squanto’s help, this group may not have survived the rigors of living in a harsh environment. For many ordinary people living mundane lives, Thanksgiving Day has become, not only as a tradition we go through the motions year after year, but
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something that gives crystal-clear meaning and purpose to our endeavors of facing increasingly challenging seasons year after year. Thanksgiving Day is widely observed by many in the US, as a day for family and friends to gather together in front of specially prepared food and with a prayerful attitude of thanksgiving to God, for the graces bestowed on each one. At the very least, for the bored and blasé, it is a most welcome 4-day break from the workaday world we live in. The squeeze on the byways is on specially now that gas prices are lower than usual. Expect the sky routes, roads and railways to be clogged with millions of travelers wanting to be with family on this special day. For many millions more, it is a special day to simply stay put within our homes, make a run for provisions at the corner supermarket, stuff a turkey or buy a spiraled ham and enjoy the blessings of hearth and home. Some big nationwide stores are bucking the previously held sacrosanct tradition of being close during Thanksgiving Day and opening their doors wide for business as usual. But one store published a message as some kind of rebuke to these mega-retailers saying to the effect that they make enough during the rest of the year so they can be close on Thanksgiving Day to allow their
‘Do good anyway’: A prescription for a... From Page 5 government, or becoming an entrepreneur-employer and employing others. This Thanksgiving week, I think it is quite timely and appropriate to reflect and ponder this poem by a Denver Rotarian, Dr. Keith M. Kent, entitled “Anyway: The Paradoxical Commandments,” that was made quite universally popular by Mother Teresa who is now a saint, when it was found hanging in one of the children homes of her Order in India: Anyway: The Paradoxical Commandments by Dr. Kent M. Keith People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway. If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway. The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway. People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
Calendar of Events across
America
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FASO’s Christmas Concert in Glendale, CA The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), the only Filipino symphony orchestra outside of the Philippines, as it presents “A Christmas Concert” on Saturday, December 3, 6:00 p.m. at the John Wayne Performing Arts Center in Glendale, California. FASO will play Christmas carols, accompanied by the voices of various choir groups. John Wayne Performing Arts Center is located at 1440 E. Broadway, Glendale, California 91205. For tickets, call Andy Tecson (323) 467-5096; Bob Shroder (818) 395-8936; and Arlene Ferrolino (213) 248-9850. Tickets are also available athttp://fasochristmas.eventbrite.com/. Tickets are at $25, $45 and $75. More information at www.fasofoundation.org.
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Aurora Inter-organizational Alliance-USA celebrates 8th anniversary in Granada Hills, CA Aurora Inter-organizational Alliance-USA announces its 8th anniversary celebration on Saturday, December 10 in Granada Hills, CA. It is an annual gathering of immigrants from the Aurora province’s 8 towns, aiming to further strengthen the camaraderie and spirit of the members. This year’s celebration hopes to gather 100 members and guests, who will be treated with traditional Filipino dishes as well as entertainment amid the sounds of Christmas carols. The night will be capped by the election of new officers for the new year. The event will be held at the Granada Hills Pavilion at 11128 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills, CA 91344 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, please contact Atty Al Nabor at (951) 818-8172 or Luchie Cuento at (818) 300-3212.
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AAPA Graduation Gala
Asian American Professional Association (AAPA) cordially invites you to the Graduation Gala on Monday, December 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Celebrate with AAPA mentor and mentees and learn about the organization’s impact in the community. Mr. Anthony Hong, vice president of clinical research and development of Johnson & Johnson Cardiovascular & Specialty Solutions will be the keynote speaker of the night. It will be held at DoubleTree by Hilton - Rosemead at 888 Montebello Blvd., Rosemead, CA 91770. The event is business casual/cocktail attire and is open to everyone. Complimentary for mentors and mentees. Guests at $25. Please RSVP and purchase tickets by November 28 at www.aapa. abcptsa.org.
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Filipino American Chamber of Commerce - SouthBay Los Angeles Area (FACC-SLAA)’s Business & Professionals Networking Mixer Come celebrate the holidays with FACC-SLAA, and meet other driven Filipino/FilAm businesspersons and professionals in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. It will be at Wednesday, December 7 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the SOL Venue, 313 E Carson St., Carson, CA 90745. Tickets for FACC-SLAA members are free with pre-registration, $5 at the door. For non-members, $10 for pre-registration and $20 at the door. *Please bring presents ($20 minimum) for the gift exchange, and plenty of holiday cheer! For more information, please email facc.slaa@gmail.com.
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
the FDA determined it is not an allergen, and that aspartame is safe. Pregnant women with high level of phenylalanine in the blood, some people with a genetic disease called PKU (phenylketonuria), and those with advance liver disease have a problem with aspartame because these people do not metabolize the amino acid called phenylalanine, which is a component of aspartame. High levels of phenylalanine in the body can cause brain damage. are sulfite preservatives allergens? Yes, sulfites, which are antioxidants used to prevent or reduce discoloration of light colored fruits and vegetables and also to inhibit the growth of bacteria in fermented foods, like wine, are allergens. Although majority of people do not have problems with sulfites, those sensitive to them, especially those with asthma, can develop mild to life-threatening symptoms. Does maternal smoking cause allergies in children? Cigarette smoking during pregnancy has been shown to increase the incidence of allergies among the newborns. Rarely, specific allergies can be “inherited” from the parents. Studies have confirmed the assessment that avoidance by the mother of food allergens may reduce the incidence of some food allergies in infants and young children. What is the best treatment regimen for allergies? As with any medical condition or illness, prevention is the key. Avoidance of all known allergens is the best regimen in dealing with allergies and asthmatic attacks. Those who have food or drug allergies must read all ingredient labels and be extra cautious before ingesting anything. Fortunately, severe allergic reactions are not very common. Those with more than mild to severe form of allergies must be trained by a physician on the life-saving technique of self-injection of 0.1 ml (one tenth of a cc) epinephrine (adrenalin) subcutaneously (under the skin) when symptoms first begin to manifest following exposure to known allergens. In this dire situation, every minute counts, and 5 or 10 minutes may spell the difference between life and death. *** 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
Director & filmmaker Jonjon Augustavo... From Page 2
Despite his success as a music video director, Augustavo’s focus is shifting more toward making films. One way he is continuing to develop his craft is by constantly creating videos, even daily, consuming art and asking for feedback from fellow creatives. “I’m still an infant as a director; I’ve been doing it for three years. The only way to get good at this is to always be making and always consuming film and art. Before I was a professionally doing it, I was always trying to make things.
It takes something in you just to always be creating or writing. I have so many scripts I’ve written that no one has read. It’s just that I had an idea, it’s like talking to you. I have an idea and I need to get it out. You need that exercise to get better and think of another idea. You also have to know what’s out there. Watch everything, good or bad,” he shared. “I’m very lucky to have some very talented people whose work I can look at and talk to. They help me be better, they ask questions, they push you. There’s few that I trust a lot, but I do have friends that are in a similar field as me that I can trust to push me. Their questions aren’t to hurt you. They’ll read your script and say, ‘Why is it this way? What is this? It doesn’t work for me,’ because I trust them. they’re not saying it to cut your legs out, they want it to be better. They inspire me just as much as anything else.” In the latter part of this year, he has worked on two short films and shot videos in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Detroit, New Jersey and New Orleans “that show emotion and a different side of the United States, not just stereotypes,” he said. “Honestly, the biggest dream in my life is to do a feature film. I think I set out to do that. That’s my goal in life. I love music videos, but it’s never going to fully be your project — as much as I make it that. As much as you can, you can’t fully put
yourself into it because there are people making sure it speaks to the song,” he shared. “With a film, it’s the closest it can be to your own voice the director or artist. My goal has always been to make a film that speaks to who I am as a person, director, artist or whatever it is. My main goal, main dream is to do that. And to have someone allow me to make what I think is right with the story I want to tell.” On visiting the Philippines One of his plans in the coming months is to visit the Philippines to scout locations for a film idea he has been developing a script for. He also intends for this trip to be a learning experience about where his mother’s side of the family hails from. “I come from a family that is stereotypically not Filipino. I have my mom and one auntie, who has one daughter. My grandparents have passed away, we don’t know our family in the Philippines or how to connect with them. I grew up 0 percent Filipino. People would ask me, ‘What are you? Where are you from?” he said. Since he didn’t grow up idolizing a particular figure who looked like him, he hopes he can break stereotypes on Asian American males and be an inspiration for future Fil-Ams who want to make it in the entertainment industry too. “I don’t think it’s going to change overnight, but the more people are proud of their roots, it will help the next generation be proud of it too. It’s not like you have to stand on a soapbox and say it, but at least feel more comfortable in your skin. It’s very difficult growing up, especially where I did, to be proud and comfortable that I am how I am,” he said.
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november 25-december 1, 2016 www.asianjournal.com
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november 25-december 1, 2016 www.asianjournal.com
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