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

Volume 24 - No. 40 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

As 2020 Census approaches, minority groups risk undercount LACK of preparation and appropriations have already put the upcoming decennial 2020 Census at risk of an inaccurate count. With less than three of years to go, advocates are making the public aware of the consequences. While the census looks to find population changes and other information of who makes up the United States, it more importantly uses the derived data to address the nation’s needs, like determining representation of each area in the U.S. House of Representatives. As previously reported, more than $600 billion is allocated through federal programs based on census data. Among the many programs dependent on the census are those rePAGE A4

OCTOBER 13-19, 2017

Palace explains Duterte threat to EU ambassadors to leave PH by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte has told European Union (EU) ambassadors to leave the country after being critical towards the administration’s anti-illegal drugs campaign. In a speech on Thursday, October 12, Duterte slammed the EU for supposedly lobbying for the Philippines’ removal from the

United Nations (UN). “You leave my country in 24 hours. All of you,” an enraged Duterte said. He added, “You must have taken the Filipino for granted…Do not come to this country again, we do not need you. You want to expel us? You try.” But in a bid to clarify the chief executive’s remark, Malacañang immediately explained that Duterte’s tirade was directed to a

group of parliamentarians who issued an “irresponsible” statement against the administration. In a statement, Duterte’s spokesperson, Ernesto Abella, acknowledged that the seven-member delegation of the International Delegates of the Progressive Alliance, did not represent the EU’s mission in Manila. “The president’s expression of outrage is in reaction to statePAGE A2 Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella

No Filipinos hurt in Calif. wildfires

Gov. Brown signs multiple immigrants’ rights bills

State Senate bills aim to protect undocumented immigrants and uphold California as a sanctuary state

IT has been a big week for immigrant rights advocates in California. Acting on his promise to advocate for California’s undocumented community, Governor Jerry Brown last week signed a package of bills designed to protect the rights of undocumented individuals and their families. As a part of his annual package of bills, the long-time governor signed bills that defied federal proposals on immigration advised by President Donald Trump and his administration. “This action protects public safety and ensures hard-working people who contribute to our state are respected,” Brown said in a statement. PAGE A2

SCOUT RANGERS HOMES. President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, October 11, led the groundbreaking ceremony of a housing project here for the Scout Rangers. The National Housing Authority project, under the AFP/PNP Housing Program, will provide 1,000 housing units for the members of the 1st Scout Ranger Regiment. The president also announced that aside from the houses, the soldiers will also receive P70,000. Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez

THERE were no reports that Filipinos were among the casualties of the wildfires that swept through California’s wine county, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday, Oct. 9. At least 10 people were killed in the wildfires that spread over north of San Francisco from Napa in the south to Redding in the north. The Philippines has expressed its sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in the massive wildfires. “We pray that our kababayans and other residents in the affected areas be kept safe and their homes spared from the fires,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said. About 15 separate wildfires spread through and affected over 73,000 acres, destroyed 1,500 structures and caused the evacuation of 20,000 residents, according to the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco. Consul General Henry Bensurto said that the consulate is coordinating with PAGE A3

Business tycoon & philanthropist PNP exits drug war, police chief apologizes Washington SyCip dies at 96 over drop in Pres. Duterte’s ratings by VICTOR

WASHINGTON SyCip died on Saturday, October 7 aboard a Philippine Airlines flight from Manila to Vancouver/New York. He was 96 years old. Washington SyCip, a Philippine national treasure, is the founder of SyCip, Gorres, Velayo & Co (SGV), an accounting, tax and auditing firm. He also founded Asian Institute of Management (AIM) to mold Washington SyCip business leaders. SyCip was a philansome children were failing: thropist who was devoted to Yes, schooling was free but children’s education. He went children could not learn on beyond advocacy by spending empty stomach! energy and money to support As his passing went viral, more than 200,000 children. tributes poured from public, He also founded a Zero Drop- private, and civic groups: out Program to give elemen“Mr. Washington SyCip tary children a chance to was a highly valued adviser acquire basic education. He to the Board of Directors of explained to this writer why BDO Unibank. We will always

ident Rodrigo Duterte named the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as the WITH the Philippine National “sole agency” in charge of the Police (PNP) ordered “hands- government’s war on drugs off” on the anti-illegal drug amid public outrage over aloperations, PNP Chief Director leged police abuses. General Ronald “Bato” Dela Under the new order, the Rosa said the police body can PNP’s task in the drug war is now focus on cracking down on now limited to “maintaining other crimes. police visibility.” On Tuesday, October 10, PresPAGE A2 by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

SY, CPA MBA remember him for his guidance over the years,” said Teresita Sy-Coson of Shoe Mart (SM) Group of companies. “Mr. Wash SyCip was a true giant in the world of Philippine business. He was a leader, advisor, and guiding force behind many other Filipino businesses and philanthropic organizations. Mr. SyCip was a legendary mentor who inspired us to strive for the highest measure of excellence and integrity in the conduct of our business, and in serving the Filipino public,” PAL of the Lucio Tan Group of Companies said in a statement. “His passion for excellence and commitment to mold busiPAGE A3

PNP Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa Philstar.com photo

Stockton’s Little Manila Center vandalized STOCKTON, California – A vandal or vandals tore down window posters and painted racially charged words on the storefront of the Little Manila Center in this city. Police are investigating the vandalism as a possible hate crime because the words “white” and “brainwashed bigots” were used, according to the center’s staff. A witness said he saw woman using nail polish to write on the windows. The three-year-old center honors Stockton’s rich FilipinoAmerican history and educates

Inquirer.net photo

residents about the contributions immigrants have made to the economy and cultural heritage of the community. The center’s executive director,

Dillon Delve, told Fox40 News that he wasn’t surprised that his center was attacked given the highly charged political climate in the country. (Inquirer.net)

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From the Front Page

Gov. Brown signs multiple immigrants’ rights... PAGE A1 SB 29: The Dignity, Not Detention Bill One of the bills, SB 29, called to block the expansion of forprofit detention of undocumented immigrants in California. The bill, called the Dignity Not Detention bill, prevents the city and county governments from entering or renewing contracts with for-profit companies and

the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain immigrants. The bill was introduced in the aftermath of widespread deaths and reports about the conditions at these for-profit facilities; at the Adelanto Detention Center in San Bernardino, there have been reports of death threats, suicide attempts and three deaths of undocumented immigrants this

year, according to the people who were held there. “California should not be siding with companies that profit from the detention of asylum seekers and the misery of divided families,” the bill’s author, state Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens), said in a statement. “Senate Bill 29 will stop the runaway train of detention and shine a light on private companies so California can ensure the human rights and dignity of those immigrants detained in our state.” In an effort to further regulate for-profit immigration detention facilities, SB 29 also subjects companies to adhere to the California Public Records Act before building or expanding; it requires companies 180 days of public notice and at least two public hearings before the city or county issues a permit to the company. SB 54: The California Values Act Amid threats of reducing funding from the Trump administration, California lawmakers’ goal of establishing California as a sanctuary state finally becomes a reality with Gov. Brown’s landmark signing of SB 54. The bill changes the way in which state and local law enforcement interact with ICE and other federal immigration agencies. They are legally prohibited from using any resources to share information about undocumented individuals with federal immigration officials, unless they are convicted of violent crimes. Additionally, public schools, libraries, health clinics, courthouses and other public facilities operated by the state are not to share any information about the undocumented with any federal agency. The bill was designed to combat the strict, “xenophobic” immigration policies and rhetoric delivered by Trump, according to the bill’s author, CA State Senate pro Tempore Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles). “The California Values Act won’t stop ICE from trolling our streets — it will not provide full sanctuary — but it will put a kink in Trump’s perverse and inhumane deportation machine,” de León said in his press PAGE A3

MEDIA SECURITY. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II delivers his message during the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) 1st anniversary celebration held at the National Press Club in Manila on Wednesday, October 11. PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

Palace explains Duterte threat... PAGE A1 ments by a 7-member delegation of the International Delegates of the Progressive Alliance which has falsely portrayed itself as an EU mission,” Abella said. Earlier this week, the delegation — which include members from Sweden, Germany, Italy, Australia, and the United States — cautioned that the Philippines risks of trade repercussions if it fails to immediately stop drug-related killings and political persecution of critics. It warned that the Philippines may lose the General System of Preference (GSP+) deal — a preferential trade deal that allows 6,200 of its products to enter the EU duty free.

“If the human rights standards are not upheld, then there may be consequences in the Philippines’ inclusion in the special trading instrument of the EU,” said German parliamentarian Arne Lietz. Abella blasted the delegation’s statement protesting the alleged killings under the Duterte administration, saying that it “demeans” the Philippines’ status as a sovereign nation. “The call of the president for EU ambassadors to leave the country in 24 hours must be taken in this light. For so long has our president tolerated these undue interferences in our domestic affairs, and he has decided that these must stop if only to preserve the integrity and dig-

nity of our State as a sovereign nation,” he said. For its part, the EU has clarified that it “was not part of the organization or planning of that visit – neither the Delegation of the European Union in the Philippines nor the European Union institutions in Brussels.” “The statements made by the Progressive Alliance during its visit to the Philippines were made solely on behalf of the Progressive Alliance and do not represent the position of the European Union,” the bloc said. It also reiterated its commitment to work “constructively and productively” with the Philippines through a “close partnership.”

PNP exits drug war, police chief apologizes... PAGE A1 “The PNP shall, at all times, maintain police visibility, as a deterrent to illegal drug activities leaving to the PDEA, however, the conduct of anti-illegal drug operations as aforestated,” the president’s memorandum read. In a media interview at the Senate, Dela Rosa welcomed the transfer of responsibility to the PDEA. He vowed that the PNP will now concentrate on other crimes, as well as on cleansing its ranks. “Yes! Hayahay na kami ngayon (We’re relaxed now),” Dela Rosa told reporters. “You can just imagine, finocus namin halos 100 percent resources of the PNP for the [past] year, finocus namin lahat sa war on drugs, do’n naka-focus we focused (all of our resources on the war on drugs for the [past] year). We can now focus on other crimes,”

he added. The Duterte administration has been the center of public scrutiny due to the deaths of drug suspects — especially of minors like 17year-old Kian delos Santos, who was killed in a police operation last August. Critics of the administration also blamed the drug war killings for the recent sharp decline of Duterte’s public satisfaction and trust rating. A recently released Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey results showed that Duterte’s public satisfaction rating dropped sharply by 18 points — from +66 in June to +48 in September from +66 in June. His net trust rating, on the other hand, suffered a 15point drop from the previous +75 or “excellent” rating in June to +60 or “very good” in September. The poll results likewise showed

that 54 percent of Filipinos believe that majority of the drug suspects killed did not really fight back, contrary to police’s claim that the suspects violently resisted arrest. In an interview on Wednesday, October 11, Dela Rosa apologized for the decline in the satisfaction and trust ratings of the president. “We feel guilty, kung totoo ’yon na naging dissatisfied yung mga tao dahil kay presidente dahil sa war on drugs na ginagawa namin (if it’s true that people are dissatisfied at the president because of the police’s war on drug), we feel guilty,” the PNP chief told reporters. He added, “We’re very guilty. Sorry. Sorry na kami ang nagbigay ng dissatisfaction sa mga tao (we’re to blame for people’s dissatisfaction) towards the president.”

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Cayetano extends US trip to attend IMF, World Bank meetings by Dana

SioSon AJPress

After being out of the country for more than three weeks now, Philippine foreign Secretary Allan Peter Cayetano is set to extend his United States visit to a month before returning to Manila. Philippine Department of foreign Affairs (DfA) spokesperson robespierre Bolivar on Monday, October 9 said the country’s top diplomat still had “some events and work to attend to in New York.” According to him, Cayetano will attend the annual meeting of the board of governors of the World Bank (WB) and the InterSENATOR ANGARA RECEIVES COURTESY CALL FROM FIL-AM YOUTH LEADERS. Senator Sonny Angara gave an inspirational message to this national Monetary fund (IMf), year’s delegates of the Filipino-American Young Leaders Program (FYLPro) led by Marjorie Baltazar, Amanda Bernardo, Ryan Dalusag, Eric which will take place from OcJohn David, Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, Rebecca Elmore, Ireneo Reus III, Christal Simanski, Ryann Tanap and Ray Villanueva. FYLPro affords these tober 13 to 15 in Washington, young Filipinos based in the United States the opportunity to dialogue with policy makers, industry leaders, artists, social entrepreneurs and D.C. innovators in different fields with the end-goal of molding future leaders of the Filipino community in the U.S. Senator Angara, having once lived in the U.S. to pursue his Master of Laws in Harvard Law School, urged our young US-based kababayans to be politically empowered to serve and to pursue advocacies that will promote a positive image of the Philippines in the United States. Senate photo

Business tycoon & philanthropist Washington... PAGE A1

ness leaders, combined with his unfaltering generosity, led to the foundation of the Washington SyCip Graduate School of Business at AIM. His legacy will live on in the AIM alumni who strive to be ethical and responsible business leaders, and live up to Mr SyCip’s call to lead, inspire, and transform,” Asian Institute of Management (AIM) wrote. “SyCip was a respected voice in corporate governance and staunch believer in filipino talent. He gave us all a sense of what filipinos could be,” Presidential spokesperson ernesto Abella said. Added former Bureau of Internal revenue (BIr) Commissioner Kim Henares, “With his demise, we lost one of the great minds ever produced by the Philippines. the auditing industry has a lot to thank him as he pioneered the growth of the industry not only in the Philippines but also in other parts of Asia. But more importantly, he trained and was a great influence to a lot of the captains of industries.” “Mr. SyCip was a man who radiated intelligence and inspired respect. He was the Sage of our Age and was a person I greatly admired. I actively sought his counsel and learned from his wisdom,” reflected Senator Grace Poe. former finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said, “today we mourn the profound loss of a dear boss, friend, and mentor. I owe much of who I am to the privilege of having been under his wing. Washington SyCip was a towering pillar of the Philippine economy. for decades, he stood as an exemplar of excellence and integrity while shining the light of his sage guidance on our business community.” David Balangue, former SGV chairman, wrote, “He was a pillar in the local accounting industry. He dedicated his entire life to excellence and was instrumental to improving busi-

ness and society. We will terribly miss him.” Benjamin Punongbayan, former SGV senior partner and founder of accounting firm Punongbayan & Araullo, said, “SyCip was unique and one of a kind. He had a very strong passion for utmost excellence, not only for himself but also for the people around him. I learned much from Wash and for which I am truly grateful. He was my mentor and model. I will greatly miss him.” roman felipe reyes, former senior partner at SVG, and cofounder of reyes tacandong & Co, noted, “He is a big loss. He contributed a lot to the accounting industry. His death will create a big vacuum.” Marivic espano, managing partner and CeO of P & A Grant thornton, said, “Mr. SyCip was one of the great pillars of the profession and played a key role in shaping it. He built a strong firm that is acknowledged as a good training ground for CPAs. He is [a] leader who believes in the goodness and talent of filipinos.” Business advisory firm Bower Group Asia also tweeted, “rIP Mr. Washington SyCip. this great patriot & leader of the Philippines, we learned so much from him.” SyCip received numerous prestigious Awards including: ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding; Dr. Jose rizal Award for excellence (Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service); Philippine Legion of Honor, Degree of Commander conferred by the Philippine Government; Lifetime Achievement Award given by the Columbia Business School; Order of the rising Sun by the Japanese government; the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit by the federal republic of Germany; Officer first Class of the royal Order of the Polar Star by His Majesty the King of Sweden; Star of the Order of Merit conferred by the republic of Austria; Accountancy Hall of fame conferred by Philippine

Institute of Certified Public Accountants; and Management Man of the Year conferred by the Management Association of the Philippines. While his parents Don Albino and Helen SyCip could afford private schooling, they opted to send their children to public schools to assimilate with local children at Burgos elementary School and Mapa High School. they also walked to school. After learning the imprisonment of his father in the Philippines by Japanese forces, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He joined the infantry but was found to have attained the highest IQ level ever recorded in his regiment. He studied Japanese in a language school in Colorado and cryptography in Virginia and was assigned to Intelligence Unit and deployed to Calcutta, British India as a codebreaker. His father Don Albino SyCip was the first Chinese-speaking lawyer to top the bar exams. He founded China Bank and was acknowledged as the Dean of the Philippine Banking. He lived traditional virtues of frugality, quietness, hard work, patience, and integrity that he imparted to his children. He raised a family of achievers: David graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines and graduated with honors from the Colorado School of Mines. He headed Northern Motors and rizal Commercial Banking Corporation; Alexander headed the U.P. debating team for three years and founded the law firm of SyCip Salazar Hernandez and Gatmaitan; Washington graduated Summa Cum Laude at age 17 from USt and founded SGV and AIM; elizabeth earned a Math degree magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines (U.P.) and another degree with honors from Columbia University; and Paz, the youngest child, was musically inclined. Washington SyCip was the last survivor of the five siblings. He is survived by his wife Anna Yu, and his children Victoria, George, and robert.

No Filipinos hurt in Calif... PAGE A1 local authorities to monitor the situation of the filipinos in the affected areas. “We continue to reach out to filipino community organizations in the affected areas, particularly in the Napa and Sonoma counties, to ascertain their condition,” Bensurto said. An estimated 13,500 filipinos live in Napa, Sonoma and Yuba counties, which were the most

affected by the wildfires. Another 4,200 filipinos live in Lake, Marin and Mendocino counties which were also affected. According to Bensurto, the windy and hot conditions from late spring through autumn cause periodic wildfires in California. Sonoma County said it has received more than 100 missing person reports as family and friends scramble to locate loved ones.

the reports have come via calls to a hotline the county set up for the missing, according to Scott Alonso, communications director for Sonoma County. It’s possible that many or most of the missing are safe but simply can’t be reached because of the widespread loss of cell service and other communications. (Pat ricia Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com with reports from Associated Press)

Gov. Brown signs multiple immigrants’ rights... PAGE A2 release. “California is building a wall of justice against President trump’s xenophobic, racist and ignorant immigration policies.” SB 68: Expansion of AB 540 In-State Tuition for Non-traditional Students Lara also authored another pro-immigrant bill signed by Brown, SB 68, which expands existing legislation that makes undocumented community college students eligible for in-state tuition and financial aid. Signed in 2001, AB 540 was a landmark bill that expanded the benefits of in-state tuition and financial aid to undocumented students who graduated from and spent a minimum of three years in a California high school. Before, undocumented students — even those that were raised in the state — had to pay international student fees due to lack of legal residency. SB 68 aims to continue AB 540’s legacy. It allows students to count years spent at California Community Colleges and adult education towards AB 540 eligi-

bility. Additionally, students that have completed an Associate’s Degree (or made the minimum requirements) may transfer those credits to any University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU); there, they may apply as in-state students and for financial aid. “I am proud of our state’s role as an educational pioneer, and Senate Bill 68 expands our landmark in-state tuition law into so that more students can afford to pursue their educations,” said Lara. “expanding in-state tuition to include community college and non-traditional students will make sure no students fall through the cracks.” “Students’ will to succeed always amazes me, and as lawmakers, it is our job to clear the way for them to go as far as their talents and drive can take them,” Lara added. SB 257: Protect Education of California Students Exiled by Forced Departure of a Parent Lara authored yet another immigration bill that Gov. Brown signed: SB 257 which protects

education rights of undocumented youth. this bill requires K-12 school districts to admit students whose parents departed the state either voluntarily or by deportation. Previously, students whose parents were forced out of the state fell behind in school and their education opportunities hindered. the bill also protects children of inmates who may have had to relocate to stay closer to a parent that was transferred out of state. “Our nation’s broken immigration laws are creating a lost generation of exiled children who left the country when their parents were deported and struggle with an unfamiliar culture and language,” said Lara. “Many of these exiled students will return to the U.S. someday, years behind other students. We owe it to their future and to our state to make sure they can continue their education in California schools if they are able.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

“the Secretary will be part of the Philippine delegation to the annual meetings of the IMf and the World Bank in Washington DC this week,” Bolivar said. Cayetano flew to New York last month to represent Philippine President rodrigo Duterte at the 72nd session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, which opened on September 19. In speech on September 23, Cayetano defended the Duterte administration’s heavily criticized campaign against illegal drugs as a “necessary instrument to preserve and protect the human rights of all filipinos.” the top diplomat also met with U.S. Secretary of State rex tillerson on September 27 in his official visit to Washington, D.C. Cayetano told tillerson that

the Philippines welcomes the support of U.S. in combating drug menace. But calls from Washington, D.C. and other human rights organizations for impartial investigation on the deaths of drug suspects were deflected. following September 29, the top diplomat flew back to New York City and met with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. During their meeting, Cayetano told Guterres that the Philippine government is ready to welcome “unbiased” experts from the UN who would conduct an objective assessment of human rights situation in the country. Cayetano has repeatedly assured the international community that the Philippine government values human rights.

PH migrant support system lauded by WB by Mayvelin

Caraballo Manilatimes.net

tHe Philippines’ support system for migrant labor could serve as a model for other Southeast Asian countries and also help deepen regional economic integration, the World Bank said. In its “Migrating to Opportunity” report, the Washington-based multilateral lender said the Philippines — one of the largest suppliers of overseas workers in the world — had a migration system with clearly defined institutional responsibilities. “In the Philippines, several migrant-focused agencies are housed mostly within the Department of Labor and employment. their roles and responsibilities are well defined, with the Philippine Overseas employment Agency responsible mainly for managing migration and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration responsible mainly for protecting migrants,” it pointed out. the World Bank noted that in the Philippines, recruitment agencies must attend an orientation seminar prior to receiving a license and a continuing education seminar for license renewal. the government also provides a listing of job opportunities available abroad through the job advertising site JobStreet.com and offers an orientation pro-

gram to workers contemplating migration. the lender also lauded the Pre-employment Orientation Seminar (PeOS) for potential migrants, which includes modules on working overseas, job search, illegal recruitment, allowable fees and the essential provisions of the employment contract, and country-specific information. the PeOS is mandatory but can be completed online at no cost. “Some good practices identified with Philippine orientation programs are involving local government partners and nongovernmental organizations to incorporate a rights perspective, creating a post-arrival orientation seminar to ensure that learning does not stop at departure, developing orientation programs for recruiters, and providing migration information at the local level,” the World Bank said. “to build on this status, the country should continue to evaluate and improve its migration management system, including oversight of recruitment agencies, programs for returned migrants, and data sharing and interoperability,” it added. Southeast Asia, it said, saw intra-regional migration increase significantly between 1995 and 2015. Malaysia, Singapore and thailand turned into regional hubs with 6.5 million migrants — 96 percent of the migrant

workers in the region. Many low-skilled and often undocumented migrants move in search of economic opportunity, mainly in the construction, plantation, and domestic services sectors. Higher-salary jobs are available, yet workers are not always able to take advantage of these opportunities, the World Bank said. the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has taken steps to facilitate mobility but its regulations only cover certain skilled professions — doctors, dentists, nurses, engineers, architects, accountants, and tourism professionals — or just 5 percent of jobs in the region. Overall, the World Bank noted that migration procedures across Asean remained restrictive. Barriers such as costly and lengthy recruitment processes, restrictive quotas on the number of foreign workers allowed and rigid employment policies were said to be constraining worker employment options and their welfare. these policies are partly influenced by the perception that an influx of migrants will have negative impacts on the receiving economy, it said. the report estimated that reducing barriers to mobility would improve workers’ welfare, by 14 percent if limited to high-skilled workers and by 29 percent if all workers were included.

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Retailers seen to benefit more from Duterte’s tax reform by Dana

SioSon AJPress

OP’s BUDGET APPROVED. Senator Loren Legarda (right), chair of the Senate Finance Committee, and Senator JV Ejercito on Wednesday, October 11, congratulate Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea (left) after the Senate approved the proposed 2018 budget of the Office of the President, amounting to P6.03-billion. Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo

Horn camp eyes Pacquiao rematch in April 2018 by Dino

Maragay Philstar.com

If the camp of Jeff Horn would have their way, a rematch with Manny Pacquiao will be staged in April next year. That’s the preference of Glenn Rushton, the wealthy Brisbanebased investment banker who is also Horn’s chief trainer. Pacquiao-Horn 2 was supposed to happen this November, but things have gone south for various reasons, and now the 29year-old Australian is set to defend the WBO welterweight title against another fighter. Horn is expected to take care

of unknown British boxer Gary Corcoran in December before thinking about another clash with Pacquiao. Rushton said he had to keep his ward busy with another fight this year, a follow-up to Horn’s huge upset over Pacquiao at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia last July. “July to December that’s five months, that’s certainly long enough out of the saddle,” Rushton recently told the AAP. “Manny Pacquiao isn’t available, we need to keep him fighting we need to keep him active,” he added. Pacquiao is occupied with his

duties in the Philippine senate, causing his boxing career to take a backseat. Even Pacquiao’s longtime promoter Bob Arum is clueless as to the Filipino icon’s plans regarding his return to the boxing ring. The Top Rank Inc. chief is even open to the idea of Pacquiao retiring from the sport. Rushton, for his part, just wants Horn to remain as sharp as possible in anticipation of another go with Pacquiao. “The plan is to get this one (Corcoran fight) done and then hopefully next April we’ll get Pacquiao back to Brisbane,” the trainer said.

Federal grant to help CHP improve bicyclist, pedestrian safety SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Pedestrian and bicyclist safety, a priority for the California Highway Patrol (CHP), will be enhanced by a federal grant in the coming year. “Far too many Californians are being killed or injured while walking or bicycling on our roadways,” said CHP Acting Commissioner Warren Stanley. “The grant will promote awareness and respect between all road users; specifically, to impart the importance of safely interacting with each other while sharing the road.” Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities account for 29 percent of roadway fatalities in California. Data from the CHP Statewide In-

tegrated Traffic Records System in 2015 showed there were at least 310 bicyclists and pedestrians killed and more than 3,100 injured within CHP jurisdiction. The California Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Enforcement and Education Project grant will help CHP officers use pedestrian and bicyclist collision information to conduct enhanced enforcement activities and public education campaigns. Although grant activities will focus on collision factors associated with the highest number of fatalities and injuries, the enforcement component will include all laws that affect the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. This includes motorists who fail

to yield for pedestrians, motorists who illegally pass school buses, and bicyclists who do not stop at stop signs or lights. Traffic safety rodeos and educational presentations emphasizing children and the elderly will help the CHP promote safe pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorist behavior to protect those who choose to walk or bike. The grant helps the CHP apply additional resources to bicycle and pedestrian safety and accomplish its mission of saving lives. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

THIS year, Philippine retailers have beaten the 23 percent advance in the benchmark stock index, and according to Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (MTBC), figures are seen to remain at the positive course due to the favorable impact of the proposed tax cuts. “The story for retailers is far from over as the tax cuts will have a multi-year income effect,” John Padilla, head of equities investment at Metropolitan Bank, told Bloomberg News. While consumer companies are expected to benefit from Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s tax reform, Padilla noted that retailers are likely to earn more favor from the planned tax cuts. “Consumer companies will gain, particularly those that provide the basics, but retailers are the clear winners from the tax plan,” he said.

This year, grocery operator Puregold Price Club Inc. and Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., which runs supermarkets and drugstores, have risen 39 percent each. Convenience store operator Philippine Seven Corp. is likewise up by 24 percent; while SSI Group Inc., a retailer of highend brands such as Prada and Gucci, by 62 percent. Under Duterte’s proposed tax reform, personal income tax will be reduced while higher excise taxes will be imposed on fuel, automobiles, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Estimates from the country’s Department of Finance (DOF) showed taxpayers may get between 860 billion pesos to 945 billion pesos from 2018 through 2022. Amid a plan to tax sugary drinks, food and beverages makers are less appealing than pure retailers to investors including ATR Asset Management.

This year, bottler Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. and snacks-food manufacturer Universal Robina Corp. both have seen shares drop more than 7 percent. “The preferred play is more retail than consumer manufacturing companies, which potentially face higher input costs and a very competitive landscape,” explained Julian Tarrobago, head of equities at ATR Asset. According to April Lee-Tan, head of research at COL Financial Group Inc, restaurant operators such as Jollibee Foods Corp., Max’s Group Inc., and Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. are more appealing than food and drinks companies. The tax reform is expected to be passed by the end of the year. Currently, the Philippines has the second-highest personal income tax (32 percent) and highest corporate tax (30 percent) rates among Southeast Asian countries.

US Heads of Posts to intensify provision of frontline assistance to nationals The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. and heads of Philippine Consulates General in the U.S. held a Command Conference on Assistance-to- Nationals and other frontline services in New York last Oct. 2 Chaired by DFA Office of Migrant Workers Affairs Assistant Secretary Reynaldo A. Catapang, the Heads of Post discussed means of streamlining assistance efforts to overseas Filipinos, updating contingency plans in light of new challenges and immigration policy developments, forging closer partnerships with U.S. government partners, civil society organizations, and advocacy groups, extending legal and other assistance, more effective information dissemination, and speedier responses to human and labor trafficking cases. The participants likewise briefed Foreign Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano on developments in their respective areas as common concerns of posts in the U.S.

Assistant Secretary Catapang (3rd from left) leads the discussions at the Command Conference Photo by NYPCG

The heads of Post also attended the Speaking Engagement of Secretary Cayetano at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), one of the oldest international affairs and foreign relations organizations in the United States. The following Heads of Post took part in the Command Con-

ference: Consul General Generoso Calonge (Chicago), Henry Bensurto (San Francisco), Adelio Angelito Cruz (Los Angeles), Gina Jamoralin (Honolulu), Marciano De Borja (Agana), Theresa Dizon- De Vega (New York), and Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Patrick Chuasoto (Washington, D.C.)

As 2020 Census approaches, minority groups... PAGE A1

garding education, assistance for veterans, hospitals, and transportation. With the census date set at April 1, 2020, the U.S Census Bureau has been hit hard with challenges — such as the resignation of its director and improper funding — which have initiated a detrimental domino effect on needed preparations and tests. For example, the upcoming census will be the first to be taken online, but lack of testing makes the census vulnerable to an inaccurate count. The 2020 Census has already been listed by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) as a “high risk” federal program in its 2017 High Risk Report. The result? Derailments of important tests and resources, including the measurement element of the dress rehearsal (the only way of evaluation), and assessment strategies of communications, outreach, and partnership programs. Most likely to feel the repercussions are minority groups and general populations living in hard-to-count areas, say advocates. California, a state with many diverse communities has already seen groups go underrepresented in previous censuses, and advocates say the risk of them being missed in the next one are still disproportionately high. “In order for California to receive its fair share of federal funding and political representation, the census bureau must accurately count all of our state’s residences,” said Dr. John Dobard, manager of Political Voice, Advancement Project California. Distrust and the digital divide Distrust of the government with personal information, along with the evident digital divide, are key concerns of advocates from across minority groups. Ofelia Medina, Director of State Civic Engagement Policy for the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), found this especially true in the Latino community, which makes up 39 percent of the Californian population. “It’s going to be really difficult to make sure that they do [participate in the census] when they might not have even dial-up at home,” said Medina, stating that many in California do not have access to internet service. While libraries and internet cafes may provide internet ac-

cess, Medina admits that the census might not be much of a priority that people would go out of their way to these places to fill out the census. The increasing climate of fear incited by rhetoric on immigration enforcement has further been discouraging in communities of color when it comes to participating in programs involving government contact. “It’s definitely been something we’ve been seeing in the last couple of months,” said Medina referring to recent issues like the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This is also true in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities where approximately 1.3 million are undocumented, according to Stewart Kwoh, Founding President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Los Angeles (AAJC). “They don’t want anybody, including their own family members, to know often times,” said Kwoh. ‘Statistical genocide’ According to the California Department of Finance, 20.5 percent of Californians live in hard-to-count areas, or communities at high risks of not being fully counted as designated by the U.S. Census Bureau. Ten of the 50 hard-to-count counties in the nation are in California, accounting for an estimated 8.4 million people. Furthermore, one in three (34.3 percent) of Hispanics in California live in hard-to-count areas. For Asian Americans, it is one out of every five (19 percent). Especially at risk of being undercounted are California’s more than 2.5 million children who would thus be beneficiaries of data derived allocations after the census. “The greatest amount of children that will not be counted are the children that are being born right now, up until 2020,” said Medina. Of the top 100 places with the highest percent of children living in hard-to-count areas, 16 are in California — Black and Hispanic children hold highest net undercounts. Medina stressed that in California specifically, the last 2010 Census significantly undercounted Latino children. “Nationwide, about 400,000 under the age of five were not counted in the census. About 113,000 of them were from California,” said Medina. These undercounts come not

only from Los Angeles County, but from counties of Orange, San Diego, Riverside, Santa Clara, San Bernardino, and Alameda, added Medina. For Native American communities, the issue of being undercounted is one of identity. During the 2000 Census, a number of tribes in the San Diego County were recorded at zero. “That is statistical genocide,” said Dr. Joely Proudfit, Director of Californian Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center, and Professor at California State University, San Marcos. Asian Americans and data disaggregation Legal and civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles (AAJC) has been formally conducting census campaigns since the 1990s. “This is probably the most important census,” said Kwoh. A little over 15 percent of the Californian population, and six percent of the U.S. population, belong to the AAPI community. The 2010 Census found that Filipino-Americans became the largest Asian American group in California, while Chinese Americans remained the largest in the U.S. In LA County, Filipino and Koreans were the two largest, and Thai Americans were seeing new growth as well. “If you don’t have an accurate census, you won’t know any of this,” said Kwoh. “If you lump all Asians together, then you really don’t know us at all.” Disaggregated data from the census is very important and is needed to ensure specific communities are served accordingly whether in education, health, or other needed programs. Nevada for example, is one of the three states with the fastest growing Asian populations, said Kwoh. When looking at the data, Filipinos made up half of the overall Asian population. “Let’s say there’s a disaster in Nevada. Wouldn’t you want to know that Filipinos are half the Asian population? And how you are going to outreach to them?,” Kwoh told Asian Journal. “Culturally, in language, you need to have that disaggregated data. Otherwise the government agencies are almost blind to who they are serving. It’s crucial.” While the current 2020 Census proposal provides checkbox options and a write-in option for more detailed ethnicity descriptions, making sure people are included at all in the census remains the biggest issue. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObER 13-19, 2017

D ateline PhiliPPines PH House votes to impeach Comelec

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chief after announcing his resignation by Dana

SioSon AJPress

MANILA - The Philippine House of Representatives voted to impeach Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chief Andres Bautista just hours after he announced his resignation on Wednesday, October 11. A total of 137 lawmakers voted to reject the earlier resolution of the House Committee on Justice, which recommended the dismissal of the complaint against Bautista after it was found to be insufficient in form due to defective verification. Only 75 lawmakers voted to adopt the resolution while two opted to abstain, making Bautista the first poll chief to be impeached. The committee was then directed by Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu to prepare the articles of impeachment for transmittal to the Senate, sitting as the impeachment court. At the same day before the plenary session, Bautista announced that he is stepping from his post by the end of the year, adding that he has already filed a resignation letter at Malacañang. The Comelec chief, whose term was supposed to expire on February 2, 2022, said his resignation is effective by December 31, 2017. “It is with deep sadness that I am informing you about my decision to resign as the chair of the Commission on Elections by the end of the year,” Bautista said in a letter addressed to the Comelec. “After much prayer and discernment, I believe that this is the right time to step down given the postponement of the barangay and SK elections. This was not an easy decision. But my family, especially my children, need me now more than ever,” he added. In the complaint filed by lawyer Ferdinand Topacio and former Negros Occidental representative Jacinto Paras of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), Bautista was accused of alleged culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust. The case against him stemmed

Comelec Chair Andy Bautista

from allegations of his estranged wife, Patricia Paz Bautista, that he had about one billion pesos of undeclared wealth in his 2016 Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Networth (SALN). ‘Unnecessary move’ Following the House decision, Bautista said the impeachment move against him was unnecessary following the announcement of his resignation. “It is unfortunate that the decision of the House Committee on Justice, which was voted upon twice by a vote of 26-2, to dismiss the impeachment case against me was overturned this afternoon by the House of Representatives,” he said in a statement. The Comelec chief, however, vowed to abide by the Constitution regarding the impeachment process as he acknowledged that all House members are entitled to their own opinion. “While it may be an unnecessary move since I already tendered my resignation to the president today effective end of the year to ensure a smooth transition, I will abide by the Constitution and the relevant rules regarding the impeachment process,” Bautista added. Trial to proceed Despite announcing his resignation, Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said the Senate will still have to proceed the impeachment trial against Bautista. “If the impeachment case will be transmitted to us, we have

Inquirer.net photo

to act on it,” Sotto told reporters. According to him, the Senate might start its hearing on the case either on late November or the first week of December. Sotto, however, noted that the impeachment case would be deemed moot should the Comelec chief immediately file an irrevocable resignation. Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, meanwhile, pointed out that Bautista’s resignation was still not in effect. “He announced his plan or intention to resign but he has not yet actually resigned so impeachment is still an available remedy/ procedure,” Escudero said. Sharing similar view, Senator Panfilo Lacson noted that Bautista’s resignation is “prospective.” “His resignation, as announced, is prospective so once the impeachment complaint is transmitted to the Senate, and his resignation is still not in effect, then we will proceed with the trial,” Lacson remarked. But for opposition senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, putting Bautista on trial would be a “waste of time.” “The penalty for a conviction in an impeachment trial is removal from office. Since he has resigned effective end of the year, I don’t see any reason why the Senate should convene as an impeachment court,” Pangilinan reasoned. “It would be a waste of our time. For all intents and purposes, the matter is moot,” he added.

NIGHTMARE. Vehicles and motorbikes clog EDSA, Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare, during rush hour on Wednesday, Oct. 11. The daily traffic jams prompted the Metro Manila Council to consider banning cars without passengers from the highway. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

PH gov’t to extradite Filipino suspect in foiled NY terror plot by Dana

SioSon AJPress

THE Philippine government is set to begin processing a request from the United States to extradite a Filipino suspect in a thwarted jihadist plot targeting New York’s subway system and Times Square in May 2016. Thirty seven-year-old orthopedic surgeon Russell Salic has been charged for his alleged involvement in a plan to carry out attacks in the name of the Islamic State (IS) group during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan last year. Salic was accused of sending money to fund the attacks. According to U.S. court documents released on Friday, October 6, he

sent $423 to the other suspects for the operation. U.S. authorities said the FBI agent posed as an IS supporter and communicated with Salic and two other alleged plotters: 19year-old Canadian Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy and 19-year-old American citizen living in Pakistan Talha Haroon. The U.S. Department of Justice said it has requested Salic’s extradition following his arrest in the Philippines in April of this year. In a statement, Palace Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the Philippine government will initiate the extradition proceedings as requested by the U.S. According to him, the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) will continue its preliminary investiga-

Russell Salic, a Filipino doctor, is accused of sending money to help fund the planned attacks in New York City locations, including concert venues, subway stations and Times Square in the summer of 2016. Philstar.com photo

PAGE A7

tion on the local complaint against Salic while extradition proceedings are being processed. In the Philippines, Salic is under investigation over the abduction of six and the murder of two sawmill workers in April in the province of Lanao del Sur, located at the southern part of the country. He is also accused of being connected with the Maute terrorists, the IS-pro group behind the attack in Marawi City, also in Lanao del Sur. “The Philippines shares information and extends full cooperation with partners on matters pertaining to terrorism,” the Palace official said. According to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief General Eduardo Año, Salic is currently in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Año said Salic sent funds to other nations for the “IS terrorist network.” “He is providing financial support to several extremists or suspicious terrorists in the Middle East, in the U.S., and Malaysia from 2014 up to 2016. (He) has been under watch and surveillance for his suspicious activities in coordination with allied foreign intel agencies,” Año told reporters. “He was very active on social media, websites that groups related to ISIS have been using,” the AFP chief added.

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OCTOBER 13-19, 2017 • OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

‘The love is still there’

FEATURES

THE honeymoon is over, but the love is still there. This was Malacañang’s response on Monday, October 9, to the biggest slide so far in President Rodrigo Duterte’s satisfaction and trust ratings. The president suffered double-digit drops in the third quarter survey conducted by pollster Social Weather Stations Inc. from Sept. 23 to 27. It may be more accurate to say that the hope is still there, that the President will use his immense powers and popularity to focus on the many pressing matters requiring the attention of his administration. While surveys also show that Filipinos agree with the need to deal decisively with the drug menace, the unrest generated by the methods employed in waging the war is hogging the attention of the government. Last week, two major business groups, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, called for less political bickering and more action on reforms and infrastructure projects. The Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines, representing nearly 3,000 companies and members of the private sector, have been pushing for reforms in several key areas to accelerate economic growth. Recently, employers have also expressed concern over policies that are dampening investments, such as additional contributions to the

Social Security System, new rules on private security guards and janitorial services, and an increase in wages when the rates are already the highest in Southeast Asia. The principal consideration, the employers said, must be the creation of jobs by encouraging more investments. Such sentiments of course must be weighed against the need to promote the welfare and increase the productivity of the workforce. These are matters that need careful consideration, without the distraction of political noise. Malacañang officials and Duterte’s supporters said the slide in his survey ratings was not surprising, and that the numbers could still bounce back. The steepness of the fall, however, is noteworthy. While the presidency is not a popularity game, governance is easier with strong public support. Despite the ratings plunge, the numbers remain high. With proper focus, a downward spiral can be prevented. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

White House wants Fil-Am professor investigated after she delivered a lecture critical of Trump

THE White House is calling on the Universi- The Fil-Am ty of Nevada-Las Vegas to investigate a Fil-Am Perspective history professor after she expressed an opinion critical of President Donald Trump during GEL SANTOS-RELOS one of her lectures. This comes in the wake of the deadly massacre in Las Vegas that claimed the lives of 58 people and injured about 500 others after Stephen Paddock opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay casino during a country music concert on Sunday, October 1. As FOX News reported, Prof. Tessa Winkelmann said, “Right when he got elected, I told my classes, three semesters ago, that some of us won’t be affected by this presidency, but others are going to die...Other people will die because of this. And we’ve seen this happen, right?” Winkelmann was quoted based on a video reportedly obtained by the Las Vegas Review-Journal that showed her speaking to her class also saying:

“He’s [Trump] threatened to declare violence against North Korea and other places...And words, especially if they’re coming from someone who is the president, have consequences. . . I don’t know that these events would have inevitably happened whether or not he got elected, but he has rhetorical powers every president has to encourage or to discourage (violence). So far all he’s done is to encourage violence.” One of the students was reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal to be “dumbfounded” and said the professor’s comments were “appalling,” in the wake of the recent mass shooting in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Review-Journal also wrote that a student told them that Winkelmann’s comments polarized the classroom and students began shouting at each other. According to FOX News, Winkelmann’s commentary has since been criticized by

both the university and the White House. “While we respect academic freedom in the classroom and the right to free speech, we believe the comments were insensitive, especially given the series of events this week and the healing process that has begun in the community,” UNLV spokesman Tony Allen said. FOX News reported that White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders wants the University of Las Vegas to investigate Winkelmann, saying “She should be ashamed of herself, and the university should look into it. What a terrible example to set for students.” “It is sad she is teaching students such divisive, inaccurate and irresponsible rhetoric,” Trump’s press secretary added. Amid all these reactions to her comments, the Fil-Am professor apologized through a statement emailed to the Review-Journal: “This week has been very difficult for members of our community, and we have allowed students space in our classes to discuss how they have been affected and to openly convey their feelings,” Winkel-

CIA conduit funding anti-Duterte media outfits Commentary

RIGOBERTO TIGLAO THE National Endowment For Democracy (NED), accused of being a channel for Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) propaganda and destabilization operations in Eastern Europe and elsewhere, has stepped up its funding for three local media outfits that have been publishing articles in the Internet very critical of President Duterte and his administration. These media outfits getting substantial amounts from NED are the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), and Vera Files. NED documents show that for 2015—the earliest year for which data is available—2016 and 2017, it gave the PCIJ $106,900; Vera Files $70,000, and CMFR, $278,000. (Another funder of Vera Files is Reporters without Borders, which is also recipient of NED funds.) Even if NED wasn’t a CIA conduit, it is an institution funded by the U.S. government, and therefore advances U.S. interests. Shouldn’t we be outraged that the US government is funding antiDuterte media outfits here? While these moneys may seem small, an NGO activist in Europe pointed out this was the same pattern in Ukraine several years back. The NED initially extended modest funds to Ukrainian opposition groups, and increased them substantially as the political crisis

in that country broke out that led to the overthrow in 2014 of proRussia Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych, to be replaced by pro-US leaders. NED president Carl Gershman, who has been openly rabidly anti-Russian would boast after Yanukovych’s fall: “Ukraine is the biggest prize“. (Another US outfit that has funded NGOs in Ukraine that helped topple Yanukovych is Omidyar Network, owned by tycoon Pierre Omdiyar. It is one of the two foreign financiers of another anti-Duterte media outfit, Rappler.) Banned by Russia Convinced that it has been a CIA front, Russia banned NED in 2015, claiming that it “poses a threat to the constitutional order of the Russian Federation and the defensive capability and security of the government”. An editorial in the Washington Times recently urged Trump to stop Congress’ funding of NED: “Killing the NED would have another big benefit to America and the world: It would end the meddlesome activities of the endowment’s longtime leader, Gershman, who as president of the organization since its founding, has acted as a kind of grand-scale global busybody, dispensing some $100 million a year in behalf of efforts to undermine governments around the world.” Among the many respected investigative journalists who have exposed the NED as a CIA conduit is Robert Perry, who broke many of the Iran-Contra stories for the Associated Press and Newsweek in the 1980s. He was awarded the George Polk Award for National Reporting in 1984 and the I.F. Stone Medal for Journalistic Independence by Harvard’s Nie-

man Foundation for Journalism in 2015. He explained in a 2014 article in consortiumnews.com, which he founded in 1995 as the first investigative news magazine in the Internet: “NED is a U.S. governmentfunded organization created in 1983 to do what the Central Intelligence Agency previously had done in financing organizations inside target countries to advance U.S. policy interests and, if needed, help in ‘regime change.’ It was founded at the initiative of Cold War hardliners in the Reagan administration, including then-CIA Director William J. Casey. Essentially, NED took over what had been the domain of the CIA, i.e. funneling money to support foreign political movements that would take the U.S. side against the Soviet Union. Though the Reagan administration’s defenders insist that this “democracy” project didn’t “report” to Casey, documents that have been declassified from the Reagan years show Casey as a principal instigator of this operation, which also sought to harness funding from right-wing billionaires and foundations to augment these activities. In one note to then-White House counselor Edwin Meese, Casey endorsed plans ‘for the appointment of a small Working Group to refine the proposal and make recommendations to the President on the merit of creating an Institute, Council or National Endowment in support of free institutions throughout the world.’ Casey’s note, written on CIA stationery, added, “Obviously we here should not get out front in the development of such an organization, nor do we wish to ap-

mann said. “I regret that my comments caused more pain during this difficult time. Emotions were running high and I wish I would have been more thoughtful in how I directed the conversation.” While I respect Prof. Tessa Winkelmann for her humility and compassion for the people of Las Vegas as the nation is still in shock and pain over the tragedy, I am unsettled by the thought that this incident shows how in the United States of America under President Donald Trump, a history professor giving her own commentary and academic analysis about an issue in a university setting may be chastised by the same university and even be subject of an investigation as prodded by the White House only because her commentary was critical of the president. What was false, malicious and inaccurate about her opinion? Was she attacking the president personally? Wasn’t she talking about the power of the “words” uttered by the leader who holds the most powerful position in the nation, and perhaps in the whole world? And why should she be criticized over

pear to be a sponsor or advocate. We would be pleased to make suggestions on the composition of the Working Group and Commission.’” Trojan horse William Blum, a former State Department official and author of several books critical of US foreign policy called NED the “CIA’s Trojan horse”. He quoted NED cofounder Allen Weinstein as telling the Washington Post in 1991: “A lot of what we do today was done covertly 25 years ago by the CIA.” The NED has telegraphed its message that Duterte is now on its cross-hairs. In an article in a journal last July, Christopher Walker, NED vice president for studies and analysis, claimed that the Philippines had caught the “authoritarian virus”. He lumped the Philippines with Tanzania, Bangladesh, South Africa and Hungary where “there has been a swift decline in democratic accountability”. In its website, NED declares: “The Duterte administration represents a sharp break from the Aquino administration and its emphasis on good governance.” If you were media outfits relying on its funds, wouldn’t you toe NED’s anti-Duterte line and prove it through your articles? I asked Vera Files president Ellen Tordesillas if she was aware of claims by respected researchers that the NED has been and is a conduit of the CIA. She replied: “I have not heard or read from any ‘respected researcher’ about NED and CIA.“ Tordesillas, a veteran columnist of the Malaya and Abante newspapers, has been known to be a shrill critic of Duterte, and has been active in social media posting anti-Duterte memes. Her favorite target has been blogger Mocha Uson, now an assistant

comments that “polarized the classroom and students began shouting at each other”? A university should give the students the platform and the training to express and take dissenting critical opinions, and learn through the process how to exchange differing opinions in a respectful and constructive manner. This should be the training ground for the responsible exercise of our constitutionally protected right to free speech. This incident is but one example of how the response of the White House and the University of Nevada may have a chilling effect on the exercise of our First Amendment right. Would, could, and should the citizens of the United States of America — the land of the free and the home of the brave — be silenced? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

secretary in the Malacañang communications group. Hostile to CMFR I asked CMFR’s executive director Melinda Quintos-de Jesus who are the funders of her outfit. She gave me a list of 12 funders, 10 of which were foreign, including NED. When I asked her the same question on whether she was aware of NED’s alleged links to the CIA, she replied: “There is no point in further engaging in this conversation as you are clearly hostile to CMFR.” If government officials and other subjects of journalists behaved like de Jesus, newspapers would contain only press releases. (De Jesus is the wife of Edilberto de Jesus who had been personally very close to the Cojuangco family and was President Cory Aquino’s adviser on rural development. He writes a very pro-Yellow column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. His most recent column gloated that the Philippines under Duterte is now No. 1 in the Global Impunity Index. He didn’t mention that the index was based on data for 2014, when his idol President Aquino was been president for four years.) I posed the same questions through several emails to PCIJ executive director Malou Mangahas, an old friend and colleague in the outfit which I helped found in 1989, but which the center denies. (The PCIJ chairman is GMA7 media man Howie Severino.) At the deadline for submitting this column, I had not received any response from Mangahas, not even an acknowledgement of the receipt of my emails, or that reply I often get from people who can’t be told the truth, “go to hell.” I have not been a fan of Vera Files, PCIJ, and CMFR because these have had that distinct Yel-

low DNA: hypocrisy and a holier-than-thou attitude. Aquino, the Liberal Party and their gang profess to be crusading for some noble cause—democracy, rule of law, human rights—but in reality have only advanced the interests of their gang of oligarchs. These three outfits—include Rappler, of course—all profess to have as their goal the professionalism of journalism as a tool for democracy. They claim to be objective, but any casual reading of the posts of these outfits will show beyond any doubt that they are merely following the agenda of the Yellow Cult based on that worn-out EDSA playbook: To demonize Duterte so much for public outrage to unseat him. That they are funded by an alleged CIA conduit is huge slap on our nation, and my profession. Shouldn’t we do what the U.S. does through its Foreign Agents Registration Act, and require political and media enterprises to first register their foreign funders? PCIJ, Vera, and CMFR appear to be 90 percent funded by foreign entities, while Rappler, about 50 percent.. But then that wouldn’t be fair, when we allow the country’s biggest media outfits to be controlled or funded by foreigners, namely Indonesian magnate Anthoni Salim in Philippine Star and TV5 and North Base Media and Omidyar in Rappler. Isn’t this an outright violation of the Constitution? Can somebody please explain to me: Why is it that foreignfunded media outfits, newspapers in the West, and those who have abandoned their country to enjoy life abroad are the most critical of Duterte, while Filipinos living here who are and will be affected by this president’s actions are mostly supportive of him? (ManilaTimes. net)

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

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObER 13-19, 2017

Mr. SyCip goes to Washington

A

Articles and photos from Balikbayan Magazine April-May 2011 issue

by Lito ocampo cRuz Louie Jon a. Sanchez and Jamie maRie eLona Balikbayan Magazine

Owls and turtles abound on all sides—figurines, paintings, and stuffed toys. When asked about the seemingly symbolic preponderance, he told us that he is not really collecting them. According to him, “they were more of gifts to me in different occasions.” One write-up spoke of this particular painting on his wall about a man who seems to be communing with a turtle. In the article, SyCip explains that the turtle is telling the man to take it easy. What profound wisdom! Perhaps, after living a full life, he has not only come home to stay, but has also come full circle, circumspect and wise. At 90, SyCip spends his time reading newspapers everyday, and at certain moments like our interview, remembers his many adventures. The figures around him presaged for us not only a life celebrated, but a legacy well kept. This was how it seemed to appear that morning as we went on to meet the man who, five decades ago, brought together two other accounting greats to form the country’s most respected firm, the SyCip, Gorres, Velayo & Co.. (SGV). We arrived on time to see him at his posh penthouse office at the SGV Headquarters along Ayala Avenue, and the man’s aura was easily recognizable in the mementoes he keep that we have seen as we arrived in the floor where he usually spends his time when in office. From the beginning, it appeared that SyCip was living in hybridity. Aside from his name, both his parents came from different Chinese lineages. He recalled: “My mother was from Shanghai and my father was from Fu Tsen. They spoke different languages.” His father went to the University of Michigan Law School and later cofounded Chinabank. Meanwhile, his mother, whose family operated the Chinese Commercial Press, studied music in Oberlin College in Ohio. And he also enjoyed the best of both worlds in education. At 18, he finished B.S. Accountancy, summa cum laude in 1939 at the University of Santo Tomas, some ten years after it transferred to the España campus. After graduating, he took the board for Certified Public Accountants and passed the exams at age 19. As one of the youngest in history, he wasn’t able to practice immediately because he was underage. The next option for him was to take up further studies. He went to Columbia University in New York to study at its graduate business school. A former professor convinced him to study there where he could get to meet and learn from another accounting education giant, Roy Kester. “That teacher even asked me to get a copy of his dissertation at

pany with eight offices across the country with a stable of almost 2000 professionals in accounting, law, economics, engineering, finance, and human resource development. In 2002, it became an affiliate of Ernst & Young International. SyCip today quietly enjoys life. As founder of SGV, he still spends his time there and admits that he still does not have “leisure time.” In a week he still attends board meetings of the different companies he holds, and every night, he is usually attending dinners and receptions. “I usually eat home twice a month,” he said. But nevertheless, what is important probably is his continuous work to further improve the lives of his countrymen, something his father insisted on when he was convincing him to stay. A notable project he supports is Synergeia, which helps in educating the young. “To improve the Philippine situation, fix basic education first,” he said, in a report of the Philippine Daily ter of numbers, he was surely Inquirer. His legacy in business is still the fittest for the job. His talent was put to use in Calcutta, India, very much felt with the constant where he encrypted intercepted presence of the Asian Institute information from the Japanese of Management (AIM), which he founded in 1968. Its roster of Imperial Army for two years. After the war, he had intended graduates includes some of the to come back home, perhaps major policy makers—both in longing for the homeland af- public and private sectors—not ter the treacherous years of the only in the country, but also in war. “But I was told that I had Asia. AIM continues to place the to return to New York, because that was where I enlisted for Philippines in the international the service. So I did.” He took business school map. It is the the ship back, not knowing that first best Full-Time MBA Prohe was actually at a crossroads. gram in the 2009 The Economist “When I was able to go back to Asia-Australia rankings. It has Manila, I had the option to take also received accolades from the a job or go back to the States..” Beyond Grey Pinstripes Awards, His father’s advice, however, led the QS Global Business Schools him to the decision to stay in the Report, the QS Top MBA List of Philippines. “My father told me Top Business Schools, and the there’s a lot of work to be done United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and here,” he shared. And so he stayed and worked the Pacific. In 1995, AIM won his way and eventually founded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for SGV, just as the country was ris- its work in promoting internaing up from the ruins, in 1946. tional understanding. If only to become an embodiAlong with Ramon Gorres and Alfredo Velayo, his boyhood friend, ment of wisdom and experience, he founded the firm, which has SyCip’s presence in the SGV innow grown into what Wikipedia spires the many who continues describes as a “multidisciplinary his work. And it seems there is professional services.” SyCip no stopping him. He is basically single-handedly managed the at home—both in his country, firm and has made it grow from and his lifework—and he seems being a small accounting firm to persevere out of passion and for start-up businesses to a com- love. Columbia, which I did,” he said. “I went there precisely because of Kester who is known for the books he wrote on accounting.” When World War II broke out, SyCip was working on his dissertation. “I was never able to finish it. I joined the Philippine regiment.” The war for him was a compelling reason to serve, a bigger reason to find meaning in a time when the world is in utter misery. “I wanted to be part of something that will eventually be helpful to the Philippines.” He recalled being trained for three months before landing a position in Intelligence. “Before you join the military, you would be asked to take an IQ test. I garnered the highest score. Because of that I was sent to Denver to study Japanese. After that, I was also sent to Virginia to learn cryptography.” Being a mas-

“I wanted to be part of something that will eventually be helpful to the Philippines.”

Meeting the man and the legend

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by

RogeR Lagmay oRieL

Asian Journal CEO & Publisher

I have finally met the man and the legend, Washington SyCip. At 90, Wash, as he is fondly called, is still very much in good shape, and he carries with him an aura of wisdom and humility. I myself am indebted to him as he once shaped my early life. In the late ‘70s, the SyCip, Gorres Velayo & Co. (SGV) firm, the first and only company I worked with in the Philippines, took me in as a junior auditor. I learned a lot from my baptism of fire at the SGV, considered today as a legendary accounting and auditing firm in the country. To say the least, it seemed to be a continuation of my Thomasian education. Mr. SyCip is also a proud Thomasian, and we were able to talk about his many amazing experiences. But what I cherished most deeply about the encounter was his stories while living in the States, and the various challenges he had to face as a Filipino studying in a foreign land at a time when war was about to break out. He knew he was at the threshold of history. Leaving his graduate studies at Columbia, he served as cryptographer in India during the war. He came back to the Philippines after the war and could have easily continued to live his life the way he used to. Fate however had its own way.

Upon the prodding of his father, he was convinced that indeed, there is much to do in this country. In 1964, with the two other accounting greats Ramon Gorres and Alfredo Velayo, he formed what is now known today as the SGV, which services national and multinational companies around the country. The work of accountancy has been the lifelong calling of Mr. SyCip, and he continues to fulfill it by means of his legacy at the SGV. He may not be as active as before in the management, but what he has sown in the beginning are already being reaped by the present generation of SGV associates. We remain inspired by the great example of Mr. S yCip, who lands on our cover this issue. His life and work will really inspire many outstanding Filipinos, worldwide to continue persevering and giving back to our country. Speaking of Filipinos worldwide, let me also take this opportunity to further spread the inspiration. We have known them by their many names: the literary ladinos, or the translator crossing the borders of language, the ilustrado of the affluent Spanish times, the pensionados of the American period, the Balikbayan in contemporary times, the Overseas Contract Worker of the diasporic boom, and much lately, the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). The abbreviation “OFW” has

been the identity of the Filipino for a long while, though much had been said about it. While many argue that not all are literally Filipino workers overseas and are also more comfortable with the term “Balikbayan,” OFW the name has rendered not only the selflessness and the sacrifice of the Filipino who leaves home to provide a better future for his family; it has also set him apart from the rest of the working world as coming from a culture where honor is valued over personal interests. When we talk of the OFW, or an OFW, we are certainly not only talking about any professional, scholar, nurse, or skilled worker. We are talking about a man (or woman) raised in the highest tenets of cultural values, spiritual firmament and love of country. The OFW has always been the man of the hour—hospitable, flexible, and persevering.. That is why we would like to create a new meaning, and consequently, a new dimension to the word OFW—for when we say this, we also mean Outstanding Filipinos Worldwide. The Filipino succeeds wherever he goes, and the pages of all Asian Journal publications are testaments to their untiring courage and heroism across all fields of endeavor. Like the original balikbayan himself, the great Washington SyCip, may their continuing chronicle inspire.

A8

OCTOBER 13-19, 2017 • OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL

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OCTOBER 13-19, 2017

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26 YEARS OF FESTIVAL OF PHILIPPINE FPAC HEADLINERS IN FOCUS: Apl.de.ap & Jessica Reynoso ARTS AND CULTURE (FPAC):

LA’s largest and longest-running Fil-Am celebration crosses generations, showcases best in Filipino culture by AJPRESS

W

ITH FilipinoAmerican History Month underway, communities across the United States have planned events throughout October, such as parades, literary fairs and food fests, to showcase Fil-Am influence in the country. In Los Angeles, one of the most-anticipated celebrations is the Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) organized by the Association for the Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) on Saturday, October 14 at Echo Park Lake in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. FPAC was first conceptualized in 1990 as part of the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department’s Festivals Program, an arts program designed to address the multicultural constituency of the city. Organized by about 100 artists and community leaders, the first festival took place at Los Angeles City College on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1992, where 3,000 participants braved the aftermath of the LA riots that occurred the week before. FPAC has only grown stronger and bigger, moving to Cabrillo Beach in 1994, then to Pt. Fermin Park in 2001. Since 2014, FPAC has taken place at the official birthplace of the City of Los Angeles where Fil-Ams can trace their heritage in the city to its founding. FPAC found a home at Echo Park Lake in 2016, strategically located near Historic Filipinotown and other LA neighborhoods where many Fil-Ams call home. This coming Saturday, the daylong affair returns. Now on its 26th year, FPAC is considered the largest and longest-running Fil-Am festival in the country. What makes FPAC a treasured gathering each year is the mix of art, cultural performances, mainstream Fil-Am talent, culinary delights, and multigeneration attendees that come together for one day. “Twenty-six years later, we are still that authentic cultural festival that bridges generations,” shared FilAm ARTS interim executive director Tina Salonga-Bulchand. “The festival is inclusive, bringing those layers of

Far East Movement

FPAC official photos by Baltazar Jonnel Dasalla

Anatalia Villaranda

multiple generations and levels of immigration to one place. It’s something that lolas, secondgeneration Fil-Ams, and even non-Pinoys, can enjoy.” Cultural, mainstream talent and appearances This year’s theme is Salin-Lahi (“Bridging Generations”), which can be reflected in every facet of the festival, from the food to performances. “With well-thought-out curated events throughout the day, the traditional aspects of Filipino culture merge with the modern Fil-Am experience. FPAC is also authentically LA, creating a type of culture of its own. For Fil-Ams who grew up in the city, this festival connects them to their Filipino roots,” Bulchand continued. Among the headliners of FPAC are Black Eyed Peas’ Apl.de.Ap, who has appeared at the festival throughout the years, and Jordan Clarkson, the point guard of the Los Angeles Lakers. FPAC will be Clarkson’s first public

WITH the FPAC only days away, the excitement is reaching fever pitch. In the lead-up to the event, organizers FilAm ARTS have announced the lineup of performers and guests slated to make an appearance at the festival. Among the marquee headliners are Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas, and Jessica Reynoso, a Fil-Am vocal virtuoso from “The Voice of the Philippines” Season One. Apl.de.ap is a Pampangaborn Filipino-American musician, rapper, record producer, entrepreneur & philanthropist, best known as a co-founder and member of the Grammy Awardwinning hip-hop group The Black Eyed Peas (BEP). BEP has sold an estimated 76 million records (35 million albums and 41 million singles), making them one of the world’s best-selling groups of all time. Jessica, whose musical inspirations include Whitney Houston, Barbara Streisand, and Aretha Franklin, found her singing voice at age 5 when she belted out “Greatest Love of All” at home to her stunned family. Since then, she has made appearances as a young performer on various TV shows. In 2013, she auditioned for The Voice of the Philippines. The rest, as they say, is history. Jessica’s singing prowess and authenticity landed her an artist development and brand marketing contract with BMBX, Apl.de.ap’s talent management, and promotion label. Apl is not only helping promote Jessica, but is also involved in the production of her music as well. He appears in her new “Not Sorry” music video, due to be released soon which also includes a cameo from Fil-Am NBA player Jordan Clarkson of the LA Lakers. Apl and Jessica met when she was among the last six artists of Team Apl on “The Voice of the Philippines.” Apl instantly made a connection with Jessica because of her amazing talent, and their shared heritage of both being adopted and of Filipino and African-American descent. The two forged a strong bond

Jordan Clarkson, LA Lakers Point Guard

appearance at a Fil-Am event in LA, reflecting his commitment to connect with his roots and the community at large. R&B singer Jessica Reynoso, who was part of Apl.de.Ap’s team of vocalists in “The Voice of the Philippines” Season One, will also perform on the FPAC stage on Saturday. FPAC will also feature other headliners like DJ Virman of the Far East Movement, Kronika of Soulection, Anatalia Villaranda from The Voice Season 12, Bella Fiasco, and Joel Quizon (Disco Manila). The talent ranges from traditional and modern dance, classical and contemporary music, martial arts, and other art forms like stand-up comedy and practical magic. Festival goers can also expect musical genres like funky Manila Disco, Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, Electronic, Reggae, Funk, and OPM, according to FPAC’s programming director, Richie Menchavez of TRAKTIVIST. Other acts slated to perform include: Ryan Africa, Gingee,

Bella Fiasco

Katipunan Poetry Slam, Kayamanan Ng Lahi, NAK, Alfa, Buhay Cali, Samantha Mendoza, Rocky Sandoval, Ranella Ferrer, Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts Pakaraguian Kulintang Ensemble, Erwin & Jake (Harana Men’s Chorus) Culture Shock LA, Erik Escobar, DreMagix, Shekinah Paguirigan, BIBAK Dance Ensemble, Rocksteady Rondalla, PaaMano Eskrima, Lyda Harlan, Nicco, Featured FPAC DJ Achilles Aurelius. A special Community Arts Block will also feature the likes of Jeserey Sanchez of ISAtv, Karen Joyce of Tuesday Night Project, Matt Almodiel of Kollaboration, Jeremy Crooks of Our Mic, and Sunday Jump. Distinguished awardees FilAm ARTS continues to recognize individuals, organizations and businesses who have made an impact in the Fil-Am and greater Southern California communities. This year, there will be five awardees: LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis (Public Service Award), Pilipino Workers’ Center (Community Service Award), Philippine Expressions Bookshop (Literary Award), Martial Arts Guru Richard Bustillo (Excellence in Arts Award), and actor Reggie Lee (Excellence in Arts Award).

Apl.de.ap

throughout the show’s duration in the Philippines, and during their 2015 performance at the White House for the Filipino-American History Month. Apl at FPAC According to FPAC organizers, Apl has been a longtime supporter of the festival. FilAm ARTS interim executive director Tina Salonga-Bulchand said that Apl brings in an unparalleled level of energy and enthusiasm to the festival. “His performances at FPAC has always been exciting and he knows how to get the audience going,” said Salonga-Bulchand. “His support really means so much for us.” Apl has been a long supporter of FPAC, not only as a headliner in 2016 but in the prior years. Onstage during his FPAC 25 performance, Apl said that he always feels at home at FPAC, especially in his backyard of Echo Park where the Black Eyed Peas began their career performing at local Filipino house parties. Similar to their recent performances at MTV Asia, Apl and Jessica will do a combined set of her music alongside his own. Jessica’s voice and stage presence is powerful and will be something that people will be left speaking about, similar to her performance with Apl at the White House where she sang in both English and Tagalog, stunning the crowd. In all of his performances, Apl’s positive vibe and energy brings together generations of fans in a hospitable, charismatic way that will make you feel like you’re watching your humble ‘kuya’ on stage. It’s like watching a family member who just happens to be a global superstar that has sold over 76 million records and as part of one of the biggest pop selling groups of all time. Form the lolos and lolas, titos and titas, to the anaks and the pamangkins, Apl will have the FPAC festival goers dancing and singing along to his timeless hits.

Jessica Reynoso

Pavilions Since FPAC takes place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, there will be programming throughout the day to entertain and engage attendees of all ages. From 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., the festival will have its first-ever Wellness Pavilion, featuring fitness

and wellness-related activities, like a walk/run around the lake, yoga hour, and a talk by Herbalaria. Other areas of the park include a Seniors Pavilion, Youth Pavilion for young attendees, Tinikling Battle, Literary Pavilion, and the Pilipino Artists Network Continued on Page 6

3 Filipina-Italian model sexually assaulted by Harvey Weinstein in 2015 Elizabeth Frances: A Fil-Am/Cherokee in Hollywood OCTOBER 13-19, 2017

www.asianjournal.com

The film producer’s sexual advances caught on audio by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

AFTER the New York Times published a bombshell investigative story about the sexual misconduct committed by renowned Hollywood executive Harvey Weinstein, more details are beginning to emerge with more victims sharing their own stories. Since the story broke last Thursday, October 5, it became publicly known for the first time that for three decades, Weinstein — who has since been fired from his company, The Weinstein Company — reportedly had multiple sexual harassment and assault allegations against him from a slew of actresses and colleagues; he had reached at least eight settlements. Among the stories surfacing this week includes one from Filipina-Italian model Ambra Battilana Gutierrez who accused Weinstein of sexual assault, a story that broke on the morning of Tuesday, October 10 by The New Yorker. Gutierrez, 24, was a finalist in the Miss Italy contest in 2015 when she met Weinstein at a reception for “New York Spring Spectacular”, a show he was producing at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. After the event, Weinstein emailed Gutierrez’s agent to set up a business meeting at his office in Tribeca. She sat with him in his office and, while reviewing her modeling portfolio, Weinstein reportedly stared at her breasts and asked if they were real. He then “lunged” at the young model and groped her breasts and attempted to put his hand up her skirt as she protested. He backed off and invited her to see the Broadway musical he was producing, “Finding Neverland” with him. Instead of going to the show, Gutierrez visited the New York Police Department to report the assault. While sitting with investigators from the Special Victims Division, Weinstein called her and demanded to know why she

by RICKY LO Philstar.com

WITH her island-girl look, Elizabeth Frances could be mistaken more for maybe a Hawaiian than a Filipina. “A lot of people have been telling me that,” admitted Elizabeth whose father is CaucasianCherokee and mother is a Filipina from San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. “I was born at a Naval Base in Okinawa where my father served with the marine corps and I was a baby when our family moved to the Philippines before we finally settled in San Diego, California.” Elizabeth was here recently for a month-long visit with her husband Sigmund Watkins (who works in marketing) for two purposes: to attend a family reunion held on the 95th birthday of her maternal grandmother and to spend their honeymoon in Coron, Palawan. They got married last April. It was Quark Henares who, a month earlier, tipped off Funfare about “a visiting Hollywood actress.” Filipina-Italian model Ambra Battilana Gutierrez Photo from Instagram/@ambrabgutierrez “She may not be familiar to many Filipinos but she is wellagain.” didn’t come to the show. known in Hollywood,” assured If Weinstein would have With the help of investigators, Quark who met Elizabeth in L.A. been charged, the producer she agreed to meet with “She would make a good copy for would have faced a count of Weinstein the next day at the bar a story.” sexual abuse in the third degree, of the Tribeca Grand Hotel where Said to be “acclaimed for her an offense punishable by three she would wear a wire and be grace and charisma both on screen months in jail. guided by undercover officers. and off ” (according to a write-up But the police investigation After meeting with him at about her), Elizabeth played the was hindered as details of the bar, Gutierrez was invited to troubled girlfriend in “Drunken’s Gutierrez’s life began to surface join Weinstein in his hotel room in tabloids, including associations Finest,” produced by Robert and watch him shower. She Redford, which premiered at the with controversial former Italian repeatedly refused, but Weinstein Redford-spearheaded Sundance Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi persisted. When they reach the and his notorious “bunga bunga” Film Festival (SFF); rock star Bad hallway outside his room, a tense sex parties, according to The New Penny in the Emmy-nominated exchange ensues which was series “Her Story”; NBC’s Yorker report. She also made recorded. “Heartbeat”; MMA (Mixed Martial an allegation of sexual assault She repeatedly said, “I don’t Arts) fighter Lilly Rowan in Netflix’s against an Italian businessman want to,” “I want to leave” and “I “Love” (produced and directed as a teenager, but refused to want to go downstairs,” before by Judd Apatow); and recently as cooperate with prosecutors. asking him directly why he had the young and headstrong Prairie Two sources involved in the groped her the previous day. Flower (a Cherokee) on the hit 2015 police investigation on “Oh, please, I’m sorry just AMC series “The Son” which stars Weinstein told The New Yorker come on in,” Weinstein replied, as that there was no reason to doubt Pierce Brosnan. heard in the audio recording. “I’m The TV series, which ran the young model’s account, and used to that.” from April to June this year, was that there was enough evidence “You’re used to that?” to prosecute the high-profile film based on Phillip Meyer’s bestGutierrez asked, sounding selling novel. Brosnan played Eli producer. horrified. “Yes,” he replied. “I won’t do it Continued on Page 6 McCullough, as a 13-year-old boy

Elizabeth Frances gets a big hug from Pierce Brosnan on the set of the hit AMC TV series.

in 1849 and as a ruthless rancher in 1915. Prairie Flower fell in love with the young Eli, a romance frowned upon by Charges The Enemy, a Comanche warrior. “Prairie Flower was like an 1849 feminist,” Elizabeth described her. “She didn’t want to marry Charges the Enemy knowing that it wouldn’t be a good marriage. I’m not like her because I am happily married. But we do have something in common and that’s the search for identity.” Preparing for the role proved to be a humbling experience for Elizabeth whom Funfare

Elizabeth Frances

interviewed at Gloria Maris restaurant in Gateway, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City, a day before she and Sigmund flew back to the U.S. (Louie Heredia Continued on Page 6

october 13-19, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

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Steven Seagal to shoot TV series in PH by Lhar Santiago ManilaTimes.net

Hollywood action star Steven Seagal has been to the Philippines countless times, he says, but this is the first time he is in the country for work. Seagal arrived in Manila from los Angeles on Sunday, oct. 8 to shoot his 12-part television series “General Commander.” The story is set in Southeast Asia but most of the scenes will be shot in Manila and other parts of the country. Sitting down with the global action star, he told Showbuzz he and his team will spend much of this visit to scout the perfect locations for the series. Steven further shared he is thankful his friend, former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson, is always ready to help him. In fact, Gov. Chavit even met him at the airport when he arrived in Manila. “we will be going to different

President Rodrigo Duterte does his signature pose with actor Steven Seagal, who is in the country to shoot a new TV series. Seagal met with the president in Malacanang Palace on Thursday, October 12. Malacañang photo

places on his plane. He knows a lot of good places here where we can shoot. we need forests and mountains and also the city of Manila,” Steven said. In General Commander, Steven plays the role of former CIA agent Jake Alexander who is out to bring to justice the person responsible

for the death of a friend and colleague. The fellow CIA agent was a vital member of his Alexander’s team but killed during a sling operation in Southeast Asia. After being told he cannot pursue plans to find the person who killed his friend, Alexander and his Continued on Page 6

EMPLOYMENT

Nadine Lustre calls for privacy over brother’s death by niña

V. guno

Inquirer.net

FollowInG police reports confirming her teen brother’s suicide, nadine lustre has expressed her sentiments through Instagram (IG) Stories. Two days after her brother passed away, the “on the wings of love” actress wrote, “you are stronger than depression.” In light of world Mental Health day she posted a semicolon and the hashtag #KeepGoing. The punctuation mark has become a symbol for mental health, serving as a reminder to pause and then move forward for those struggling with mental health issues. Videos of lustre have since surfaced of her speaking in her brother’s funeral. Messages posted on her IG Stories read, “May I request to please refrain from posting/ reposting photos and videos of me from the funeral. let’s give respect.” “To everyone who’s been judging me for the past few days,

Nadine Lustre

remember this… you will always see me UP but never down… Get lost please. “And to everyone who’s been sharing me stories of weakness… I’m reading. wait for me… I GoT yoU.” According to Radyo Inquirer, the Quezon City Police

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Photo from Instagram/@nadine

department reported two gunshots heard from the lustre home on oct. 8. lustre’s 16-year-old brother Isaiah, known as Ice, was found to have taken his own life. Bandera reports that the case is under investigation because the gun did not have a license.

OCTOBER 13-19, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA (Continued from last week’s issue...)

LET’S do a reality check. So okay, your partner is the consummate slob and you have to pick up after him. He thinks he has a maid living with him for free. He has this maddening habit of not putting the toothpaste cap back on. That’s easy. Get one with a cap that snaps back on. The point is to find a way to work around an annoyance or when all else fails, accept the tiny irritations. With time and patience, things get easier. As you get older and hopefully, wiser, your eyes dim and your hearing goes for a reason. You become less critical as you see the bigger picture more clearly and the end game is within sight. You become aware of your own mortality. The point is that you can choose to look through the lens of kindness and forgiveness and instead see if he still has those itty bitty, wonderful things about him that attracted you to him in the first place. His sense of humor maybe or the way he still makes you laugh… Love is a two-way street. Note how you behave towards him. How do you look to him? Do you take the time and the effort to look va-va-voom and give him that look that can make his heartbeat race just a tad? Or did you let yourself go, letting gravity and the ravages of time run rough shod over your physical appearance? Put up a fight. There’s help out there. Or do you nag him to death for every little thing? Do you make him feel small with your smartass barbs? Or does he feel he can soar like an eagle when you are around him? Don’t buy into the modern concept of the throwaway or trade-up society that seems to imply you can change partners every five years or so. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. It may work for cars and appliances but falls flat for human relationships. Fix what can yet be fixed. Nurture what can grow into something beautiful. Eat humble pie, if you have to. There is no shame if you truly love. Ask a Higher Power to help you keep things whole.

Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS WHAT are renal calculi? Renal calculi (kidney stones) are chemical crystals that form into a hard salt solid structure that looks like and feels like a common stone we find on the streets. They vary in size, shape, and consistency, according to their chemical composition. They could be calcium oxalate stone, cystine stone, uric acid stone, infection stone, or even a combination. Where do these stones come from? Our two bean-shaped kidneys are important blood filters which eliminate chemical waste from our body and excreted into the urine. Without our kidneys, the build up of chemical waste in our body could reach a poisonous, even deadly, level within a few days. In people who have a high risk of forming stones, these chemical crystals solidify in the kidney calices (cup-shaped areas of the kidney). Some of these stones could travel down the ureter (a small muscular tube the connects each kidney to the bladder), causing severe colicky pains from ureteral irritation and spasm. How large are these stones? Renal stones vary in sizes, from the size of a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Many small stones (silent stones) are passed naturally. Medium stones are often crushed with ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy), popularly known as Lithotripsy for short. Large stones may need Percutaneous Lithotripsy. Very large stones may need surgical removal, especially the staghorn calculus, which “staghorn” shape and large size lodge it in the kidney pelvis (main chamber) and prevent it from entering and passing down the small ureter. Some stones have round, smooth, surface, and could pass down the ureter to the bladder with lesser pains. Others

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Two magical words “Gratitude is the memory of the heart” — Jean Baptiste Massieu When you value your partner and are mindful of him or her, it shows that you are grateful for his part in your life and that you are interested in going the distance and making the relationship work maybe even till life beyond death. Taking your husband, wife or partner for granted is the biggest cause of so many divorces these days. If alarming numbers are to be believed, half the population already live in Splitsville. There is a disproportionate number of single moms and single dads worldwide struggling with severely diminished finances and dealing with court-appointed visits. They juggle schedules, shuttling children in two locations and in cases of bitter, acrimonious divorces, compete for their children’s affections while complicating things further by starting up new relationships. All these are piled on top of broken, disappointed, cynical lives. They are left to deal with what I call the BIG D’s – the doldrums of doubt, darkness, disease, depression, desperation, dejection, disappointment, discouragement and disillusionment. You just wish you can DELETE all these ugly D’s from your life. Some go to the deep end. Sadly, tragically some of these cases end in death. Love has died. Nothing matters. Yet love, according to the “Desiderata” is as perennial as the grass. While there is life, hope springs eternal. Those who are not put off by a disastrous relationship think that the “right one” is just around the corner. Perhaps. But if they do not learn from their previous mistakes, they are doomed to repeat them. There’s that D again. They will cycle in and out of one disastrous relationship after the other. Single parenthood is no cakewalk in most cases. Ask around. Do not believe the distortion of truth in movies spun by Hollywood or this trend of celebrities adopting babies and the media glamorizing the lives of single parents. That is one tall tale of an ego on overdrive. There is no romantic or comedic element in going it alone. Single parenthood

is more like the Theater of the Absurd. The honest truth: there is little glamour or fun in single parenthood – in far too many cases, just an endless, harrowing tale of one struggle after the next. There are exceptions of course. Unless you made a foolish or tragic fatal choice or fate played a dirty trick on you and you ended up meeting and marrying the partner from hell. He or she could be a sociopath, a psychopath, a criminal, a user, a liar, a pervert, a druggie, a murderer, a serial philanderer or just unfit to live in this planet with another human being. Perhaps, the best way to happiness would be to love, appreciate and say “thank you” to the one you’re with every single day of your life together. And while you’re at it, blow a kiss to the heavens for making you a winner in the love lottery stakes sending you someone you love or can learn to love AND (THE BLESSING of all blessings) who loves you back! Love is not a 50-50 proposition. It’s not even giving 110% of yourself to the other. It sounds sentimental, sappy and old fashioned but whether you like it or not, it is giving of yourself without counting the cost. It is the pure, intrinsic nature of life’s greatest mystery - LOVE. Those couples buried six feet deep, side by side at Forest Lawn probably understood what love and devotion meant. Their souls may have fused. Their hearts in the life beyond beat as one. That is one story you can believe in. (Or if you’re in for a laugh and have a sly, dry, wicked sense of humor, you might say those savvy couples probably got a twofer from the cemetery plot sales rep! LOL ;) How to find THE ONE if you’re on the hunt? Or how can you make THE ONE realize that you’re THE ONE for him or her without beating him or her over the head? That is one story for yet another day. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Painful renal calculi have sharp, jagged edges, causing more pains when they travel down, or get caught, in the ureter. What increases the risk for stones ? Not drinking enough fluids, dehydration, eating certain foods, urinary tract infection, living in hot climate, and family history of kidney stones are the more common factors that increase the risk of kidney stone formation. Metabolic or endocrine problems are more rare causes. How much water should one drink a day? In a normal average daily situation, it is advisable to drink about 8 glasses of fluids (water, juices, preferably not pop) a day, whether one had kidney stones before or not. Those who had kidney stones in the past are advised against cola drinks, tea, chocolate, spinach, and peanut, which are high in oxalate, and dairy products which are high in calcium. Those with cystine stones are advised against eating foods high in Methionine, like fish. Is renal colic really more painful than childbirth? Yes, women who had kidney stone colics and had given birth say so. The pain is most excruciating, and in men, it could radiate down to the lower abdomen and to the scrotum of the affected side where the stone is. One thrashes around to find a more comfortable position, only to find none. Narcotic shots are given for the relief of the severe renal colic. Sometimes, renal colic could mimic, or be confused with, acute appendicitis. In some patients, there could be blood in the urine, from the irritation of the ureter where the stone is lodged. What are the diagnostic tests for kidney stones? After a thorough historytaking and physical examination, your physician may order urinalysis, urine culture (for bacteria), blood count, blood chemistry (including calcium, phosphorus, BUN, creatinine, uric acid, and electrolytes) a KUB (plain x-ray of kidney, ureter,

bladder), an IVP (intravenous pyelogram, x-ray with dye to see locate the stone), an Ultrasound (a “3-Dimensional” picture of the kidney); and/or a CT Scan (Computed Tomography, an X-ray technique showing cross-sectional images of the abdominal area to locate and identify the stone). Twenty four-hour urine samples may also be taken to find out the levels of stone-related chemicals in the urine. Provocative Tests may also be done to see how the kidneys handle chemicals. Stone analysis is essential to determine the chemical composition of the stone, which will help identify the cause of the stone formation and aid in the preventive treatment in the future. Are some stones dissolved by medications? Yes, bicarbonate/potassium citrate may dissolve uric acid stones and cystine stones. This is why it is important strain the urine when one suspects kidney stones, to find out what the chemical composition of the stone is. Medications prescribed to dissolve kidney stones are taken for a lifetime. Unfortunately, not all stones are dissolved by medications. However, many kidney stones are passed naturally. Sometimes alpha blocker drug is used to relax the muscles of the ureter to allow passage of larger stones. Newer extracts to dissolve all types of kidney stones (and gallstones also) are being researched in laboratories around the world. How does one prevent renal stones? Uric acid stones are found among those who overproduce uric acid (gout), and can be worsened by a high-meat diet (high in purines), especially pork and beef. Allupurinol is one drug that reduces uric acid. Cystine stones come from too much cystine (amino acids) in the body, caused by an inherited condition. Penicillamine or Tiopronin reduces cystine. Prevention in this case includes diet low in methionine Continued on Page 6

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Glendale Tech Week Glendale Tech Week offers the best of tech from within Glendale and the Greater LA area. Attendees will have access to talent, networking, and business opportunities. Passes, schedule of events, and list of speakers available at Glendaletechweek.com.

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Book talk with Merlinda Bobis at Philippine Expressions Bookshop in San Pedro, CA Merlinda Bobis is a multi-awarded literary artist from Bicol and has taught in universities in the Philippines before she left in 1991 on a study grant to Australia. She has three novels, five poetry books, seven dramatic works (stage and radio), a collection of short stories, a monograph on writing and researching fiction and more than 80 poems plus scholarly articles in literary anthologies, journals and magazines. Her scholarly research covers transnationalism, postcoloniality and crossing cultures, migration and creative-critical intersections. She will doing a book talk on Friday, October 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. Philippine Expressions Bookshop (479 West 6th St., Suite 105, San Pedro, CA 90731). A light dinner will be served from 6 to 7 p.m. and the talk begins promptly at 7. RSVP is required by October 12 to linda@philbooks.us or call (310) 548-8148 or (310) 514-9139.

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

18th annual Asian Small Business Expo in Alhambra, CA On Saturday, Oct. 14, the 18th annual Asian Small Business Expo will be held at the Almansor Court Conference Center (700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra, CA 91801), featuring free workshops, exhibitors, networking opportunities, and more! Jonny Hwang, founder of 626 Night Market, is the featured guest speaker with special guest, Jerome Horton, chairman of the California Board of Equalization. It is FREE to attend! The Asian Small Business Expo is the only business-to-business expo that engages the Asian business community and brings this growing economic force into the mainstream to connect and utilize your company and its services. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with small businesses, market your organization and tap into a network of entrepreneurs, service providers, financial organizations, franchises and governmental and legislative representatives. For more information, please visit http://www.apisbp.org/expo.html.

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Award-winning journalist Raissa Robles holds speaking tour in Los Angeles As part of a six-city U.S. tour, Raissa Robles, a Manila-based award-winning investigative journalist, will share her insights into the significance of the rise of the Marcoses and the current administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. Robles is the author of “Marcos Martial Law: Never Again, a brief history of torture and atrocity under the new society,” nearing her the International Award for Excellence in Journalism by the Geneva-based International Christian Organization of the Media (ICOM). The community special events will take place followed by a Q&A. These events are free and open to the public: Saturday, October 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pilipino Workers Center (153 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026) and Sunday, October 15 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church (6657 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028). For more information, call (323) 606-1322 or email mrjaimeg@ hotmail.com.

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City of Carson’s 8th annual Larry Itliong Day Celebration Join the City of Carson for its 8th annual celebration of Larry Itliong Day on Saturday, Oct. 21 with a parade and program. Assembly time begins at 8 a.m., with the parade from 9 to 9:30 a.m. The program will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. It will be held at Veterans Park at 22400 Moneta Avenue, Carson, CA 90745. Admission is FREE. For more information, please call (310) 952-1743.

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

Mutya ng Lahi in Santa Clarita, CA To celebrate Filipino-American History Month, the Fil-Am Association of SCV, Inc. proudly presents Mutya ng Lahi (Jewel of Ancestry) on Saturday, Oct. 21. It will be held at the Centre at 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 91351 from 6 to 10 p.m. The program will showcase traditional folk dances, songs, national costumes and an exhibition of Philippine Centennial. Tickets for the dinner and show are $35 for adults, $20 for children (4-12), and free for under 3 years. For ticket sales, please contact the following no later than Oct. 13: Emie R. Carrillo at (661) 877-2699, Zeny Justiniano at (661) 294-0181, or Zony Gordon at (661) 312-3422.

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FACC-GLA’s Halloween Dance Party in Canoga Park, CA FACC-GLA’s Halloween Dance Party in Canoga Park, CA The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce - Greater Los Angeles (FACC - GLA) invites members and guests to its Halloween Dance Party on Friday, October 27 from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. at the Best Western Canoga Park Hotel. Come in with your scariest attire as there will be special gifts for the best costume attire. Food & drinks will be included. Tickets are limited and entry will only be allowed for those who paid online or through check on or before Tuesday, October 24. Payment can be made through the website www.filamchambergla.org. Strictly NO payment will be accepted at the door.

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3rd annual Larry Itliong Day parade & festival in Los Angeles Join the Larry Itliong Day Committee (LIDC) in honoring the legacy of Filipino American Labor Leader Larry Itliong on Saturday, October 28. There will be a parade followed by a festival with cultural music, dance performances, food vendors, art exhibits, health screenings and various vendors. Parade starts at 9 a.m. with a light breakfast, opening ceremony and line-up at 8 a.m. at Unidad Park (1648 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026). The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Columban Church at 125 Loma Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90026. There will be film screenings of “Delano Manongs” by Marissa Aroy at the church at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. For more information on sponsorships, parade registration, exhibitor opportunities, and volunteering, please email larryitliongdayLA@gmail.com.

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Franchise Expo West in Los Angeles Franchise Expo West, the premier franchise event in the western U.S. is returning to Los Angeles after a five-year absence, to provide the strongest business opportunities for potential franchisees in this dynamic, growing region. Attendees can engage with over 200 franchise brands in every industry at every investment level, access over 60 free educational sessions where in depth answers are provided to any franchising questions, and meet with lenders and consultants to learn about financing options. It will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center at 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015 from Thursday, Nov. 2 to Saturday, Nov. 4. For more information, please visit: www.franchiseexpowest.com. For free registration, use promo code AJ here: https://r1.events-registration.com/franwest2017/.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

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Steven Seagal to shoot TV... From Page 4 crew resign from the organization and form a rogue security unit funded by a rich friend. Steven says he is very excited to shoot in the Philippines. He and some business partners are even planning planning to build infrastructure in the country that can be used for their future projects both for movies and TV. “Besides General Commander, I am also finishing my movie ‘Attrition.’ It’s in post production now but I’m reshooting some of the scenes here in the Philippines,” the action star continued. “I know I won’t have a hard time working here because the people are very good.” As such, it was but natural for Steven to say he likes the Filipino people most of all when he comes to visit. “I really think the people are this country’s biggest asset. They are very good; they treat us nicely. No wonder the Philippines is called the ‘Pearl of Asia.” Further proof that he likes coming here is that Steven can no longer remember how many times he has been to the Philippines. To be sure, the first trip was in the ‘80s, and after that, he would come over for vacations, quietly slipping in and out of the country. Naturally, actor has been to different places in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. “My favorite is Vigan, Ilocos Sur,” he revealed. “I like the old town feel. I love staying there. It’s a city that was built 200 or 300 years ago!” Because he is shooting a 12-episode series, Steven is happy he has a longer time to spend here. He, in fact, is ready to experience the famed Philippine Christmas because he plans to work even during the holidays. Meeting with Duterte President Rodrigo Duterte met on Thursday, Oct.

From Page 3 But the tabloid stories of Gutierrez’s life complicated the case for the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, who later dropped the criminal charges. Since then, Gutierrez has been prohibited from discussing the incident with reporters due to a tightly-written nondisclosure agreement she signed with Weinstein’s lawyers, including an affidavit that stated that the events recorded on audio never happened. She also received an undisclosed payment. Days after the Times’ initial report, the Manhattan DA

defended their decision not to prosecute Weinstein. Chief Assistant DA Karen FriedmanAgnifilo told the NY Post that the recorded meeting between Gutierrez and Weinstein was done so “without our knowledge or input.” “The seasoned prosecutors in our Sex Crimes Unit were not afforded the opportunity before the meeting to counsel investigators on what was necessary to capture in order to prove a misdemeanor sex crime,” she said. “While the recording is horrifying to listen to, what emerged from the audio was

insufficient to prove a crime under New York law, which requires prosecutors to establish criminal intent.” “Mr. Weinstein’s pattern of mistreating women, as recounted in recent reports, is disgraceful and shocks the conscience,” she continued, adding that she urges all victims of sexual assault and misconduct to contact their local DA’s sex crimes hotline. Other actresses that have come forward with their own stories include Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan, among many others.

Elizabeth Frances: A Fil-Am/Cherokee in Hollywood Martial artist and Hollywood actor Steven Seagal will spend much of his visit to the country scouting the perfect locations for his TV series.

12 Seagal in Malacañang. Seagal, who flew into the Philippines to look for a location for his new movie, was accompanied by former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson. Seagal’s new movie is about illegal drugs and other crimes, a Malacañang press release said. It said Duterte told Seagal “that movies are a reflection of life” as the President reiterated “his strong stance against illegal drugs because these enslave people to a form of synthetic chemical.” (With reports from Inquirer.net)

Painful renal calculi

From Page 5 (a normal chemical found in fish). Infection stones, as the name suggests, is caused by a rinary tract infection. Antibiotics are given before the stones are removed. In all these three conditions, drinking lots of water helps a lot in preventing recurrent kidney stones. Popular oldfashioned lemonade is effective in reducing kidney stone formation. What is ESWL? If the stone or stones cannot be dissolved by medications or are too large to pass down the ureter, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy is an option. There are several types of ESWL but the principle is the same for all. The patient lie down or sits up in a water bath, high-energy shock waves from the high-tech

Filipina-Italian model sexually assaulted...

machine are precisely aimed at the stone (with pin-point accuracy). The waves, passing through the water cushion, travel at a high speed, pass through the soft tissues of the body without harming them and “shatter” the stone (only) into very fine sand. The procedure is done with mild sedation, and may last about an hour and done as an outpatient or on an overnight stay. What is the surgical treatment? If all of the above therapies fail, invasive or surgical approach is the final option. This includes fishing out the stone in the ureter with a Ureteroscope. Percutaneous Lithotripsy is used for stones larger than one inch in diameter and where ESWL did not work. A small skin incision is

made in the affected flank and the stone is shattered by painless ultrasound, or removed by Percutaneous nephrolithotomy. With the available modern technology today, open surgery is now reserved only for those with very large or oddly located kidney stones.

*** 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

From Page 3 happened to be there, hosting a victory lunch for friend movie writers after his discovery Laura Lehman won 2017 Miss World Philippines, so I introduced him to Elizabeth. Before the interview ended, Joel Torre [also a Negrense] arrived to fetch her. They were social media friends and meeting for the first time.) “Being part-Cherokee, I easily identified with the Prairie Flower character, a feisty young member of the Comanche tribe in 1849 Texas. I went to Oklahoma and stayed with Juanita Pahdopony, our Comanche consultant. I visited the Comanche National Museum where I sat on her couch. I wanted to know more about the tribe’s culture before I started shooting. In the process, I also learned more about my ancestry.” Although she didn’t have a scene with Brosnan because she played the girlfriend of Brosnan’s young character, Elizabeth did have a close encounter with the iconic 007 actor. “In Hollywood,” explained Elizabeth, “there’s some kind of hierarchy, with the biggest stars at the top of it. But Pierce didn’t make us feel it. I couldn’t have

met a kinder and more humble person. Pierce led the way and set the tone on the set, so it felt like an acting company where the actors, the crew, the producers and everybody else were all equal. We were like a family.” Same with Redford whom Elizabeth met during the Drunken’s Finest premiere. “He was very nice and very kind. I was surprised how so involved and so supportive he was of young artists, just like Pierce. I don’t know how it is here but in Hollywood, the mentorship of older people to younger artists really makes a big difference in terms of younger people being able to find their way as creators.” Although raised in the U.S., Elizabeth claimed that she grew up on Filipino values instilled in her by her mom. “My mom won a lottery in the Philippines with a trip to the US as prize,” related Elizabeth. “At first, she was hesitant to go but her family encouraged her to take the chance. She decided to stay and met my dad. My grandma, whose full name is Lawrencia Gonzales, used to be a nun, a mother superior until she left the convent and went to the U.S.

where she got married. She used to babysit me. Then she retired in the Philippines. As a kid, I would visit our relatives in Negros every two or three years.” Elizabeth’s “search for identity” started when she was 13. “Both my parents were working. Early on, I knew that I wanted to act, so I found a local theater. I told the woman in charge, ‘Hey, teach me Shakespeare.’ I started doing drama in high school. After receiving my degree from Cal Arts, I began my professional career both in L.A. and regionally. I worked with such notable theaters as Center Theater Group, La Jolla Playhouse, Los Angeles Theater Center, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Native Voices and the Kirk Douglas Theater Off Screen.” Her fondest dream is for Asian-American artists like her, especially her fellow Filipino, to be given more chances to shine in Hollywood. “As of now,” she said, “this community of talented artists is kind of still hidden. But with diversity alive and well in Hollywood, these artists should get equal opportunities as everybody else.”

LA’s largest and longest-running Fil-Am gathering bridges... From Page 2 (PAN) Pavilion showcasing the visual art of local Filipino artists. Curated by Sunday Jump, the Literary Pavilion (from 11 a.m. to 6:20 p.m.) will feature events such as: a two-hour block of imaginative performances and readings, a poetry wall to write a collective poem, an interactive area to meet and greet with artists, and the annual poetry slam. Continuing the work of those who have paved the way before us, from Jose Rizal to Jessica Hagedorn, the Literary Arts Pavilion provides a platform for us to showcase the variety of voices and points of view amongst Filipinos and Fil-Ams today. Featured artists at the pavilion include Phylizia Carrillo, Janelle Paule, Andres Paul Ramacho, Zosimo Quibilian, Jr., Navor, Jensen, Cherisse Yanit Nadal, F. Douglas Brown, Abigail Adriano Aseo, Gio, and Miranda Tsang. Culinary feast Of course, it’s not a Filipino party without food. With the array of options available at FPAC, festival goers will surely not leave hungry. The vendors have been thoughtfully organized to show the best in Fil-Am entrepreneurship and cuisine. Confirmed food vendors include Neri’s restaurant, Benaddictz, Grublife, Kapamilya Restaurant, Baboys of Carson, Ensaymada Project, Crepe Life, Stoked! BBQ, The Parks Finest, Ramar Foods, Rice and Shine, Baked Dessert Bar, Drizzle Food Truck, Tasty Block

FPAC will feature martial art demonstrations.

Food Truck, Lobos Food Truck. Achara Food Truck, and White Rabbit Food Truck. “We are really excited to showcase the creative side of these Fil-Am culinary entrepreneurs,” Salonga-Bulchand said. “With the way they create these beautiful foods, they are as much of artists as they are entrepreneurs.”

From desserts to savory dishes, you won’t leave FPAC hungry.

Benaddictz – a wordplay on “eggs benedict” and “addict” – is known for its uniquely Pinoy take on brunch. Its Chicken Adobo Eggs Benedict recipe is one of the most sought-after items at its brunch pop-ups all over town. “FPAC engagement is important because it brings so many years of a cultural following. In my generation, it’s the original Filipino festival in Los Angeles,” Justin Foronda, founder of the FilAm brunch favorite, said. On Saturday, Benaddictz will be serving Sarap’y Joe (a Filipino Spaghettistyle Chilli served on Garlic Buttered Pan de Sal) and Elote Waffles (corn-infused batter with lime cream and salsa powder). Festival goers can also expect treats such as Ube and Thai tea crepes from Crepe Life or an array of ensaymada flavors — like queso de bola, dulce de leche or Ensaymatcha™ chocolate — from Ensaymada Project. The Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture is a free event from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. No admission fee is needed for entry. It will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Echo Park Lake in Echo Park, Los Angeles. For more information, please visithttp://www.filamarts.org.

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